WHEREAS, According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 45,000 Americans are killed in acts of gun violence each year and tens of thousands more are victims of non-fatal shootings; and
WHEREAS, Every year, more than 3,500 children and teens are shot and killed, and another 15,000 are shot and wounded-an average of ten children and teens shot and killed and 42 shot and wounded every day; and
WHEREAS, In 2023, Philadelphia experienced 373 fatal shootings and 1,287 non-fatal shootings according to the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has consistently seen one of the highest rates of gun violence among major cities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Although the City of Philadelphia is preempted by state law from most types of firearm regulation, the City has taken bold action over the last few years to address the gun violence crisis, allocating tens of millions of dollars in new funds for gun violence prevention, enacting a landmark ghost guns regulation, and establishing the Office of the Victim Advocate; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a major public health and safety issue in Philadelphia, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That June 2024 be recognized as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Philadelphia
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