Hochul designates June Gun Violence Awareness Month

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a proclamation designating June as Gun Violence Awareness Month.

On Friday, the governor directed State landmarks to be illuminated orange to mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

“Every instance of gun violence ricochets beyond the intended target, inflicting pain and trauma on victims, friends, families, neighbors, bystanders, and entire communities,” Gov. Hochul said. “I am proud to designate June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York as we continue working to provide our law enforcement partners with tools they need to get guns off the streets and keep our communities safe.” “In New York, we’re taking direct action to get guns off of our streets and build safer neighborhoods across the state,” said Lt. Gov. Delgado. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and members of the community to find meaningful ways to address the gun violence epidemic and move our state forward.”

As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Hochul secured a comprehensive funding plan to address gun violence and create a safer state that recognizes the importance of a multifaceted approach improving public safety.

On Friday, the governor directed that the following State landmarks be illuminated orange to mark the start of Wear Orange Weekend, which is coordinated annually by Everytown for Gun Safety: One World Trade Center; Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Kosciuszko Bridge; The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; State Education Building; Empire State Plaza; State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center; Niagara Falls; Albany International Airport Gateway; MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station; and Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal.

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Our first priority is to help keep New Yorkers safe, and we will use every tool and resource at our disposal in the fight to end the senseless surge of gun violence in our neighborhoods.

“During Gun Violence Awareness Month, we recommit to this work, recognize our law enforcement and community partners working to get illegal guns off our streets and build safer communities, stand in solidarity with survivors, and thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and support,” she added.

Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, “When gun violence impacts a community, it penetrates deeper than what’s seen on the surface. Victims and survivors experience trauma, anxiety, and other stress that can have negative effects on their wellbeing.

“Thank you, Gov. Hochul, for recognizing the importance of Gun Violence Awareness Month and your continued commitment to ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the services, support and resources they need, wherever and whenever necessary,” she added.

Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, “Gun violence not only causes a deep emotional and physical toll on survivors, but it also rips apart families and communities, causing even more devastation and trauma.

“I commend Gov. Hochul for her efforts to combat this crisis and for working towards safer communities for all New Yorkers,” he added.