A Joint Resolution designating June 2 of each year as “Gun Violence Awareness Day” in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017 there were a total of 39,773 firearm related deaths in the United States and of those deaths an estimated 14,542 are attributed to firearm homicides; and
Whereas, According to the CDC, in New Jersey there were 478 firearm related deaths in 2017 and 420 firearm related deaths in 2018; and
Whereas, Americans are 25 times more likely to be murdered with firearms than people in other developed countries; and
Whereas, Firearm violence is the leading cause of death for women in instances of domestic violence in the United States each year; and
Whereas, An estimated 1,500 children die annually as a result of firearms, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence; and
Whereas, One example of these tragic child victims is Hadiya Pendleton who, at the age of 15, was shot and killed in Chicago just one week after performing at former President Barack Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013; and
Whereas, On June 2, 2013, a group of Chicago teens commemorated the life of their slain friend, Hadiya, by marching to raise awareness about firearm violence; and
Whereas, Many communities across the nation have marched annually on June 2 to recognize the death of Hadiya, to honor the many lives cut short and the hundreds more injured by firearm violence every day, and to demand action to end these tragedies; and
Whereas, Support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand-in-hand with keeping firearms away from dangerous people; and
Whereas, The goals of the national “Gun Violence Awareness Day” campaign are: to promote greater awareness about firearm violence and firearm safety; to concentrate annual heightened attention to firearm violence during the summer months, when firearm violence typically increases; and to bring citizens and community leaders together to discuss ways to make our communities safer; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey encourages all citizens to support their local communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of firearm violence and declares June 2 of every year as “Gun Violence Awareness Day” in this State to honor and remember all victims and survivors of firearm violence and to declare that we as a country must do more to reduce firearm violence; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.36:2-408 “Gun Violence Awareness Day”, designated.
1. June 2 of each year is designated as “Gun Violence Awareness Day” in New Jersey to honor and remember all victims of, and others affected by, firearm violence.
C.36:2-409 Annual observance.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe “Gun Violence Awareness Day” with appropriate awareness activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved November 8, 2021.