The Regional Wrap
A wrap-up of local gun violence prevention news and stories from across the U.S.
As we’ve seen since the ground-shaking tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in 2012, a Federal, top-down fix for America’s gun violence problem has moved like molasses. And given the new administration’s goal to roll back the few advances we’ve made, it can all paint a pretty grim picture. But zoom in a little, and there is good news all over the map. The most productive action is happening at the local level. So every other week we’ll bring you The Regional Wrap to get you caught up on GVP news that might be happening right in your town.
ALABAMA:
VIDEO: CrimeStoppers holding annual gun buyback event
“This event is part of the ongoing effort to fight gun violence in the capital city by taking unneeded weapons off the streets before criminals can get to them.”
CALIFORNIA:
Report finds racial, economic disparity in gun deaths in Alameda County
“… proposed cuts to prevention programs may reverse the progress made to reduce gun violence since a recent peak of 141 such deaths in 2022.”
CONNECTICUT:
VIDEO: 708 Gun Violence Victims Honored At Botanical Garden Of Healing
“The Magnitude Walkway, a brick pathway in the garden, is inscribed with the names and ages of every individual lost to gun violence, with the names of new victims added annually.”
DELAWARE:
Dover Mayor, Law Enforcement, and State Officials Address Gun Violence, Victims Speak Out
“Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen held a press conference to address recent incidents of gun violence and the city’s response alongside law enforcement, elected officials, education and faith-based community leaders and more.”
ILLINOIS:
Peoria nonprofit Art Inc. expands program offerings into gun violence prevention
“A lot of our students, they have family members who have become victims of gun violence, some of them are perpetrators of gun violence and so we’re already dealing with that group of people anyway.”
MICHIGAN:
VIDEO: Law enforcement and health officials work to reduce gun violence
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects the well-being and safety of all Michigan residents, which is why Michigan is taking a strong public health approach to addressing this issue.”
MINNESOTA:
VIDEO: ‘Stop Gun Violence’ rally held for gun violence awareness month
NEW YORK:
Gov. Hochul codifies NYS Office of Gun Violence Prevention
“During Gun Violence Awareness Month, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation permanently establishing the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention, citing sharp declines in shootings statewide and vowing to protect progress as federal support for gun safety faces rollbacks.”
NORTH CAROLINA:
Governor Josh Stein Vetoes Reckless Permitless Carry Bill After Republican Leadership Bulldozes Legislation Through Both Chambers
“Additionally, the majority of Americans and North Carolinians, 3 in 4, oppose allowing people to carry concealed guns without a permit in public, including the majority of gun owners and Republicans.”
OHIO:
VIDEO: NAACP discusses solutions for ‘root causes’ of continued youth violence in Dayton
“Local leaders say ten of the 40 homicide victims in Dayton last year were 18 years old or younger.”
PHOTOS: Crowd gathers to march against gun violence in Springfield
Tony Ruby Sr. speaks during a rally against gun violence on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, outside Springfield City Hall. (Joseph Cooke; via Springfield News-Sun)
Tijay Angel Agent Watson, center, and Jayshawn Robinson hype up demonstrators as they march against gun violence on South Fountain Avenue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, outside Springfield City Hall. (Joseph Cooke; via Springfield News-Sun)
PHOTOS: Annual basketball tournament holds balloon release for lives lost to gun violence
“Dozens of people gathered in the center of one of the basketball courts, calling out names of family and friends before releasing the black and red balloons skyward.”
OKLAHOMA:
VIDEO: Tulsa Police Chief Creates Gun Violence Task Force in Response to Juneteenth Festival Shooting, Weekend Shootings Involving Teens
“In addition to our officers working their assigned districts, I will be focusing elements of three divisions, street crime units, members of our special investigation division, our crime analysts, and our skilled forensic scientists….”
PENNSYLVANIA:
District Attorney Larry Krasner Announces $600,000 in Microgrants to Dozens of Community-Based Non-Profits During Gun Violence Awareness Month
“These nonprofit organizations focus on gun violence intervention, summer camps, mentoring for girls, and trauma care programs.”
VIDEO: Community advocates call for funding for anti-gun violence programs ahead of state budget deadline
“This funding isn’t just about programs and agencies; it’s about saving lives and supporting families like mine.”
RHODE ISLAND:
Rhode Island Enacts Assault-Style Rifle Sales Ban
“New law signed by Gov. McKee imposes steep penalties on future sales of military-style firearms, as advocates hail progress and opponents vow to push back”
Flanked by gun control advocates, RI Gov. Dan McKee signs a new law that will ban the sale of military-style assault weapons. (David Wright; via The Public’s Radio)
TENNESSEE:
City of Knoxville invests more than $100,000 in violence prevention
“They are all funded by the Office of Safety Violence Interruption Funds.”
TEXAS:
Texas bans red-flag laws that allow guns to be taken from owners in crisis
“The state also relaxed restrictions on owning short-barrel guns, including sawed-off shotguns.”
VIDEO: Gun Violence Prevention Summit held in East Austin
“The 2025 summit also included panels with students who shared their personal stories, experiences, and messages of encouragement to other teens who might be struggling.”
VIRGINIA:
Charlottesville Police hosts first gun buy back event
“It’s the first time this has been tried in Charlottesville.”
WASHINGTON, DC:
VIDEO: DC Council considering changes to violence interrupter programs
“Currently, there are two programs… that were supposed to be consolidated into one. Now, the council has put forth legislation to slash one of the programs completely.”
D.C. lawmaker walks back cuts to violence prevention agency after criticism
“The back-and-forth sets up a broader debate among D.C. lawmakers, who over the next several weeks must determine a path forward for D.C.’s dual violence interruption programs….”
WISCONSIN:
Economic impact of gun violence plaguing cities like Milwaukee runs in billions
“Many people understand the emotional toll homicides take on a community: families left grieving, communities traumatized, and often, children left without a parent. But few recognize the financial burden it places on everyone in society.”
VIDEO: Teens fight for gun violence prevention, lower voting age for school elections during Dane Co. meeting
“I live in a rural town and we’ve in the last few years lost quite a few people to gun violence and its personal issue and I don’t want to live in fear.”