Regional Wrap
A wrap-up of local gun violence prevention news and stories from across the U.S.
At the moment, the most productive GVP action has moved to the local level. Every other week, we bring you the Regional Wrap to get you caught up on gun violence prevention news that might be happening right in your town.
CALIFORNIA:
Yolo County Convenes Regional Leaders to Strengthen Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
“The purpose of the Yolo GVPC is to facilitate strong communication across sectors, enabling partners to share resources, coordinate efforts, and exchange information. This collaboration also strengthens regional, statewide, and federal partnerships to develop actionable strategies aimed at proactively preventing all forms of gun violence.”
FLORIDA:
Gainesville turns to technology hubs to prevent gun violence
“Rather than focusing only on what happens after a shooting or arrest, the effort is built around a different question: What do young people need before they ever get there?”
Graphic presented by Gainesville Police Department; via WUFT.
GEORGIA:
VIDEO: Atlanta faith leaders unveil ‘manifesto’ to curb teen violence
“They presented a 10-point plan titled the ‘violence prevention manifesto,’ which is designed to remove guns from the hands of teenagers and reduce the number of youth fatalities.”
VIDEO: Metro Atlanta violence leads to chess-based push for peace
“Orrin ‘Checkmate’ Hudson, the founder of Be Someone Inc., is warning that the community focuses too much on the aftermath of these crimes rather than stopping them before they start.”
KANSAS:
VIDEO: Gun violence prevention advocates talk risk factors, possible solutions after violent weekend in Wichita
“Cure Violence ICT has placed so-called ‘violence disruptors’ into communities on the northeast and the southeast side since 2024. The goal is for these people to build relationships with at-risk individuals and quell conflicts that are in danger of escalating.”
KENTUCKY:
VIDEO: Gov. Beshear begins veto recess rejecting Kentucky’s gun-related bills
“Beshear vetoed both bills at an event honoring Tommy Elliot, one of the victims of the 2023 Old National Bank shooting and a personal friend of Beshear’s, saying the bill would ‘protect firearm manufacturers and sellers from liability for gun violence.’”
Volunteers called to join in community aid for violence prevention
“N.E.W. (Neighborhood Engagement Walks) will consist of community volunteers that will go door to door in the Eastland area distributing resources to community members. These resources consist of aid for mental health, job opportunities, mentoring, mediation, and more.”
MICHIGAN:
Michigan firearm injury data now available in near real-time
“The Michigan Firearm Injury Near Real-Time Data System, or Mi-FINDS, dashboard was created and funded by the U-M Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the state of Michigan. In collaboration with medical examiners in a majority of Michigan counties, including the largest ones, the system improves tracking processes for firearm-related injuries and deaths in Michigan.”
NEW JERSEY:
Locked & loaded: Handgun sales surge, NJ concealed carry permits soar
“In 2025, the state issued more permits than the years 2019 to 2023 combined.”
NEW MEXICO:
Tech to track guns, solve cases installed in Doña Ana County
“This means investigators can more quickly and strongly connect firearms to crimes across New Mexico….”
NEW YORK:
After years of violence, Rochester opens 2026 with no fatal shootings
“The numbers tell the story but they may not tell the feeling. That is why it’s important for us to continue our gun violence emergency, because we want to send the point that one shooting is too many.”
Gov. Hochul launches $5 million HOPE initiative to curb youth gun violence
“The Havens of Opportunity, Peace and Empowerment (HOPE) initiative will provide awards enabling organizations to establish and enhance safe, supportive spaces with consistent, high-quality programming for youth and families in communities with high rates of gun violence.”
NORTH CAROLINA:
Fayetteville Woman’s Nonprofit Combats Youth Gun Violence
“Georgeanna Pinckney and Greater Life of Fayetteville want to hear from young people about gun violence during a crime prevention workshop on May 2.”
OHIO:
VIDEO: Cincinnati, CPS officials focus on solutions to keep kids safe outside school
“At the meeting, leaders behind the ‘Act for Cincy’ initiative are focusing on improving safety and finding solutions. ‘Kids getting a hold of guns has been a major concern,’ said assistant to the city manager, Kait Bell.”
Experts warn gun violence is draining billions from Ohio’s economy
“The report, last updated in March, factors in roughly $493.7 million paid by taxpayers. Costs include direct healthcare expenses, emergency transportation, trauma care and long-term rehabilitation, as well as broader losses tied to reduced wages and workplace productivity.”
PENNSYLVANIA:
Cobbs Creek students are making gun violence prevention a priority in their West Philly neighborhood
“The number of shootings in the West Philly neighborhoods of Cobbs Creek and Haddington remains high compared to other parts of the city, data shows.”
Philadelphia sees 29% drop in gun violence near new green spaces
“A city-backed program that cleans up blighted and vacant lots is creating new public spaces and reducing crime in surrounding communities.”
VIDEO: Poems about gun violence turned into public art installations in Germantown
“Creative Philadelphia will unveil the ‘Healing Verse Germantown: The Streets Are Talking’ public exhibition, converting the words from 19 poems written by community members into pieces of art with the goal of helping heal a community impacted gun violence.”
Shootings are falling in Philly, but kids make up a growing share of gun-violence victims
“He and a few other organizers recently teamed up with the University of Pennsylvania to launch Creators for Community Safety, which trains social media influencers on anti-violence messaging. A similar project in Chicago taps into social media to emphasize that guns are dangerous, not cool.”
L-R: Tone Barr of the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner, and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci speak during a press conference on Tuesday, April 2, 2026 in Philadelphia. (Pjoto: Sammy Caiola / Chalkbeat)
Steelton working with York group to launch ‘Stop That’ gun violence initiative
“[Mayor Ciera] Dent announced on Facebook that the borough will launch an initiative called ‘Stop That,’ in cooperation with police, local businesses, community organizations, public officials and the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program.”
Video via WGAL TV.
TENNESSEE:
VIDEO: Nonprofit aims to reduce Memphis gun violence after skip day arrests
“Memphis Allies is a local non-profit that aims to reduce these types of incidents by offering specific programs to people ages 12 to 35, who are at the highest risk for gun violence.”
TEXAS:
Gun sales at Houston-based Academy Sports scrutinized in new report on trafficking cases
“The report by Everytown Law… claims that the Katy-based retailer ignored clear warning signs when selling to straw purchasers.”
VIRGINIA:
VIDEO: Local musician and protégé of Marvin Gaye uses music to combat gun violence in Norfolk
“The workshop focused on empowering youth by providing them with creative outlets in music and technology, offering a path beyond traditional extracurricular activities.”
New public safety laws focus on gun violence prevention and support for law enforcement
“Still pending, however, are bills to ban assault-style weapons. Such bills have been historically carried by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. Spanberger has until April 13 to take action on those bills and hundreds of bills that advanced the legislature and made it to her desk.”
