Resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.

Res. No. 295

Resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.

By the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) and Council Member Miller

Whereas, Gun violence is a national and local problem affecting many Americans and New Yorkers on a daily basis; and

Whereas, According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 58,019 incidents of gun violence in the United States in 2017, resulting in 14,635 deaths and 29,669 injuries; and

Whereas, National attention is often drawn to large scale tragedies, yet there are gun violence injuries occurring every day throughout many American cities; and

Whereas, In New York City, the number of murders dropped to 335 in 2016, a decrease from 352 in 2015, and the number of shootings slightly decreased from 1,138 in 2015 to 998 in 2016; and

Whereas, While the number of shootings in NYC reached a historical low in 2016, gun violence disproportionately impacts certain neighborhoods and populations in the City; and 

Whereas, In 2016, 1,181 people were victims of gun violence, haven been struck by a bullet; and

Whereas, Of shooting victims in 2016, 75.2% were Black and 23.3% were Hispanic; and

Whereas, It is therefore clear that gun violence is a serious problem in our communities that must be addressed; and

Whereas, Furthermore, gun violence and the resulting injuries and deaths typically increase substantially in the summer months; and

Whereas, It is important for the City of New York to once again work to increase public awareness about guns and the severity of their impact on our communities; and

Whereas, Recognition of the month of June as Gun Violence Awareness Month by local and state officials will increase efforts to protect all New Yorkers, especially those who are disproportionately affected by such violence, by furthering the dialogue with our local, state and federal partners to help examine the causes of gun violence and create meaningful solutions in an effort to prevent the violence from peaking again in the summer; now, therefore, be it

           Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.

LS 3899/Res.No.640- 2015

LS 377

12/12/17

LW/CA