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Special recognition of June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, in Lake County, in 2023, there were 20-gun violence-related homicides and 39 suicides by firearm; and
WHEREAS, there were 656 mass shootings in 2023, the second-highest record in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the number of all gun violence incidents on school properties increased by 13 percent to reach a record high in 2023; and
WHEREAS, community leaders and law enforcement officers are the most familiar with local criminal activity, what is needed to address it, and are best positioned to understand how to keep citizens safe; and
WHEREAS, a new Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, supported by the Lake County Board and led by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, continues to partner with the community and law enforcement to address the root causes of gun violence, and implement proven short-term and long-term strategies, to immediately interrupt cycles of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Lake County is committed to encouraging gun safety, responsible, lawful gun ownership, and to the reduction of gun violence in Lake County to keep our children and communities safe.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois acknowledges June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, the Board encourages residents to commemorate this month to honor and remember the victims and survivors of gun violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, that Lake County encourages citizen participation and support in keeping our communities safe.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on June 11, 2024.