Title
To recognize June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Columbus, Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, Each year on June 2, thousands of Americans wear orange to remember those lost to gun violence and raise awareness about the epidemic of gun violence in our communities; and
WHEREAS, Wear Orange Day began in 2013 in honor of 15 year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago. Her family, friends, and neighbors wore orange to remember a beautiful young life cut short by violence; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, more than 15,000 people were killed by a firearm and over 30,000 were injured. In addition almost 4,000 children under the age of 18 were injured or killed in an incident involving a firearm; and
WHEREAS, this council supports the right to law-abiding gun ownership, but would like to highlight the importance of gun safety in order to prevent nearly 2,000 unintentional shootings which occur every year; and
WHEREAS, While these statistics are tragic, it is important to remember that each one of these victims is a son, mother, sister, husband, or cousin that was taken from a family and a community too soon; and
WHEREAS, With violent crime on the rise across America and here in Columbus, it is important for residents and law enforcement officials to build partnerships to keep our communities safe. It is important that information is shared, so the individuals involved can be brought to justice; and
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the month of June as Gun Violence Awareness month, remembers the tragic toll gun violence has had on our community, and urges the residents of Columbus to stand with law enforcement in keeping our communities safe.