Community Justice Commemorates the One-Year Anniversary of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2024

Contact: maiyah@cjactionfund.org

Washington, D.C. — Today marks one year since President Biden established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a bold step forward in the fight to reduce gun violence. The office, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, Director Stefanie Feldman, and Deputy Directors Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox, was created to expedite implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and dozens of executive actions and improve support for communities impacted by gun violence, survivors, and advocates nationwide.

José Alfaro, Executive Director of Community Justice, issued the following statement:

“One year ago, the Biden-Harris Administration took an unprecedented step toward addressing the gun violence epidemic by creating the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and appointed 2 survivors and leaders in the gun violence prevention movement to the office. Under the supervision of Vice President Harris, has advanced life-saving policy and also shown a deep commitment to working alongside community-based organizations to ensure that gun violence prevention efforts reach the people and places most impacted.

We applaud the strides made in the past year, from accelerated implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to millions of dollars directed to community-based organizations that address the root causes of gun violence. Yet, even as we recognize this progress, we know there is still much work to be done. Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children under 19, and Black and brown communities continue to bear the brunt of this crisis. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the work of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention continues to build on these efforts, providing meaningful support for communities and enacting common-sense gun safety measures that save lives.

As we reflect on this milestone, we remain steadfast in our call for urgent, comprehensive action at every level of government. This includes increasing investments in community violence intervention programs that prioritize healing and safety for all, supporting the creation of state and local offices of violence prevention, and ensuring that federal efforts to address gun violence are centered in a public health approach. Today, and every day, we stand with survivors, advocates, and policymakers committed to ending gun violence once and for all.”

In its first year, the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has overseen the implementation of historic legislation, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention law in nearly 30 years. The office has worked tirelessly to reduce gun violence in our schools, homes, and communities by keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and addressing the mental health needs of our youth. This anniversary represents a critical moment to renew our focus on building safer communities and holding those who traffic in violence accountable.

Community Justice remains dedicated to this fight and will continue to partner with the White House and leaders across the country to advocate for the policies that will end gun violence in our communities. Together, we are building a future where every child, every family, and every community can live free from the fear of gun violence.

For more information on the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, click here.

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Community Justice is a non-partisan project of Tides Center and builds power for communities of color to end gun violence.