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Special recognition of June 2023 as Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, murders and shootings have been on the rise in Lake County. In 2021, we saw 21-gun violence related homicides and 28 suicides by firearm, the highest record in both categories for our County; and
WHEREAS, there were 648 mass shootings in 2022, the second-highest record in the United States, just behind the 690 mass shootings in 2021; and
WHEREAS, the number of people shot on school property increased 46 percent in 2022, and the number of all gun violence incidents on school properties increased by 21 percent in 2022; and
WHEREAS, historically, the victims of firearm suicide have tended to be older, white males living in rural areas. From 2011 to 2020, the firearm suicide rate among Black, Latino, and Asian teenagers each more than doubled, narrowing the gap as suicide rates among young Black and brown people worsen; 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 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 and responsibility for lawful gun owners, and to the reduction of gun violence in Lake County to keep our children and community safe.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that the Lake County Board of Lake County, Illinois acknowledges June 2023 as Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and encourages residents to commemorate this month in honor and remembrance of the victims and survivors of gun ...
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