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. We compile Regional Wrap every other week to highlight such activity.
There was so much this time we had to have two Regional Wrap posts this week.
MINNESOTA:
In passing assault weapons ban, Minnesota Senate DFL shows unified front
“… the Senate’s vote will probably just inform political campaigns, not your ability in the near future to buy an assault weapon or a gun magazine that will let you fire 17 bullets or more before reloading.”
Minnesota Democratic lawmakers stage sit-in over gun violence protection bill
“The Minnesota senate, controlled by Democrats, narrowly passed the gun violence prevention omnibus earlier this month. The house, where there is a 67-67 vote tie and a Republican speaker in charge, has so far not taken up the bill.”
VIDEO: Shooting victim’s family call on Minnesota lawmakers to pass gun violence bill
“A family on the long road to healing after the tragic shooting at Annunciation is reflecting on the emotional toll. Derek James has more on a grassroots organization helping families heal from the trauma of gun violence.”
NEW JERSEY:
New Jersey Has Third-Lowest Firearm Death Rate in U.S. CDC Data Shows
“The CDC’s ‘Firearm Mortality by State’ report shows New Jersey had an age-adjusted firearm death rate of 4.0 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024, trailing only Hawaii and Massachusetts among all states reporting data.”
NEW YORK:
NYPD reports historic drop in murders, gun violence despite two high-profile shootings of children that rocked NYC
“The NYPD reported 19 homicides during April 2025, beating the previous monthly low record of 21 set in 2014 and 2017. Shootings also plummeted by 18.6% in April, from 70 citywide incidents last April to just 57 this year.”
OHIO:
VIDEO: Akron middle schoolers lead documentary on gun violence impacts
“A youth-led documentary will soon premiere in Akron, addressing the impact gun violence has had on young people.”
Summer violence prevention programs expanding in 2026, Rec at Night coming to 4 locations
“At a press conference Wednesday, city leaders announced an expansion of the ‘Summer in Cincy,’ program, which provides activities for kids when they get out of school, intending to prevent the spike in gun violence we typically see during the warmer months.”
PENNSYLVANIA:
‘Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility’ group launches billboard campaign to promote gun safety
“Butler said it’s a direct and non-political message, designed to resonate with gun owners to protect children, families and communities. Now that the billboards are officially shining, the group is hoping the campaign takes off from here and reaches all 50 states.”
Photo: Cierra Genelle; via WFMZ-TV
TEXAS:
VIDEO: Traveler’s Table case among 18 Texas murder-suicides in 2026, data shows
“The unique thing about murder-suicides is that while regular gun crime, gun fatalities, and gun injuries have dropped in the last two years…murder-suicides have stayed stable….”
UTAH:
They’re turning guns into plowshares
“The event, with blacksmiths doing the honors, showed how guns can be recycled into garden tools…. But beyond demonstrating another way to help conserve the Earth, GVPC Utah’s much larger motive is to help conserve us humans.”
VIRGINIA:
VIDEO: Roanoke shooting renews debate over newly approved gunshot detection system
“The program will run under a two-year grant, meaning the city will bear no upfront cost. However, how the program performs during the grant period could determine whether it continues long term.”
VIDEO: Virginia governor signs assault weapons ban into law
“The law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer an assault firearm. Anyone convicted of that violation is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for three years from the date of conviction.”
WASHINGTON:
Gun violence down significantly in King County for first quarter of 2026, report says
“The report shows 204 shots-fired incidents in the first quarter, down 28% from the same period last year and marking the lowest first-quarter total since 2020.”
WASHINGTON, DC:
VIDEO: DC group pushing gun violence prevention through youth programming
“I’m begging our city to consider public health as an approach. Public health identifies a problem like cancer or a car accident, and then identifies the risk factors and protective factors. We’ve done that….”
