Regional Wrap II
There was so much local GVP news recently, we added another Regional Wrap today
During our tumultuous times, it is encouraging to see how much regional gun violence prevention activity is going on around the country — if in part because leadership from the Federal level has disappeared. We compile Regional Wrap every other week to highlight such activity, and there was so much this time we had to have two Regional Wrap posts this week.
CALIFORNIA:
VIDEO: Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Announces 2026 Priority Bills
“This press conference [outlines] key legislative efforts aimed at strengthening public safety, preventing gun violence, and protecting communities across California.”
Los Angeles Gun Violence Statistics and Security Insights
“California earns an A grade from the Giffords Law Center for its gun safety legislation, with an assault weapons ban, red flag laws, and universal background checks all on the books⁶. Despite that regulatory framework, the state still contends with significant gun violence, driven partly by illegal firearms and cross-border trafficking.”
CONNECTICUT:
Anti-Gun Violence Groups Host CT Senator For Prevention Roundtable
“Blumenthal and representatives from CVI groups held a roundtable discussion on the issue at Roca Hartford, a nonprofit agency that works to engage young people, police and the community to disrupt the cycle of violence.”
FLORIDA:
VIDEO: Gainesville gun violence prevention program expands with technology hub initiative
“Following a major rise in gun violence in the early 2020s, city leaders established Impact GNV, an initiative designed to take an on-the-ground approach to preventing gun violence through community outreach programs.”
KENTUCKY:
Louisville groups honor gun violence victim with shoe giveaway, anti-violence pledge
“Organizers said the effort is part of an annual tradition in memory of Anthony ‘AJ’ Smith, who was killed at a young age.”
MARYLAND:
Detailed report on Maryland school shooting
“Most shootings at schools are never analyzed in detail. Montgomery County (MD) Schools released an after action report on the Wootton High School Shooting only six weeks after it happened.”
Federal Funding Brings Thousands of Free Gun Safes to Baltimore
“Over the next year, Johns Hopkins will use those funds to purchase and distribute biometric gun safes, lockboxes, and cable locks to community members at adult and pediatric trauma centers at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.”
NEW MEXICO:
VIDEO: New Mexico Dept. of Health launches campaign to inform public on red flag law
New Mexico Department of Health launches gun violence prevention campaign
“The campaign, developed with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, uses advertising to reach gun owners and families who may be unaware that both resources exist and are free to access….”
NEW YORK:
87 Guns, Including Multiple Ghost Gun, Taken Off Streets at Da Cacace’s First Gun Buyback
“This marks one of the largest returns for a gun buyback event sponsored by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The office spent $15,650 on firearm repurchases at the event.”
Photo via Yonkers Times
OHIO:
VIDEO: Cincinnati students learn how to de-escalate gun violence in class
“Retired Cincinnati police officer Andre Ewing partners with the school to talk to students weekly about how to de-escalate violence and stay safe around guns.”
Firearms a leading cause of death for Ohio children, compounded by a lack of support for prevention
“[Children’s Defense Fund Ohio] compiled its most recent study on gun violence using national and state data on firearm-related youth deaths and interviews. The organization wants the report to serve as a tool for communities, and to provide recommendations to Ohio’s legislature on how to address gun violence.”
RHODE ISLAND:
Campus Safety in an Era of Gun Violence
“Brown turns to experts in community policing to bolster security.”
TEXAS:
East Texas Hit Hard by Gun-Related Suicides
“Discussions involving mental health and firearms can be fraught in Texas, especially in a deeply conservative area like East Texas, where a culture of self-sufficiency and gun ownership runs deep. And it’s costing lives…. Gun-related suicides in Texas increased nearly 40 percent from 2015 to 2024, and gun-related homicides increased 36 percent during the same period.”
Guns Down, Gloves Up: El Paso Group Stopping Gun Violence Through Boxing
“I walked in expecting a community event. I walked out knowing this is something more. Rick and the volunteers care about what they are building. They want El Paso to have an outlet that is safe, respectful, and controlled. This isn’t chaos. This is structure. This is mentorship. This is something real.”
Courtesy of Ricky Fuentes; via Kiss FM
WASHINGTON:
VIDEO: Spokane police launching new task force to crack down on gun violence
“The Spokane Police Department is launching a gun crime unit as part of its goal to cut gun violence in the city by 10%.”