Gov. Matt Meyer Meets with Gun Safety Advocates in Dover

DOVER, Del. – Delaware lawmakers met with dozens representing various gun violence prevention advocacy groups on Wednesday morning.

Governor Matt Meyer was in attendance for organizers’ annual Advocacy Day at the State Capitol, where leaders and constituents discussed two pieces of legislation currently making their way through the General Assembly. The first is Senate Bill 300, which would create a state oversight system geared towards preventing illegal gun trafficking. The second is House Bill 369, which would codify the state Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Moms Demand Action, a gun law advocacy group led by women who’ve been impacted by gun violence, are hoping to sway both sides of the aisle. The issue hits close to home, as many of the guns used in crimes on Delaware streets are being bought within the First State.

“You know, normally when we think about gun trafficking, we think that the guns are coming in from another state into Delaware,” said Anne McWalter, Chapter Leader for Delaware Moms Demand Action. “And it’s not. The guns are originating here, and it’s coming from a small amount of dealers.”

Advocacy groups like the Coalition for a Safer Delaware added to the conversation, saying this is a matter that’s bipartisan that should focus on preventing more unnecessary deaths.

“I point to red flag laws, [and] lethal violence protective orders were passed in Delaware with 100% bipartisan support, which proves what we say all the time, right? Gun violence prevention is not a left or right issue,” said Traci Murphy, the group’s Executive Director. “It’s a life or death issue. And Delawareans and Delaware leaders know it.”

Murphy went on to tell those in attendance that there’s a sense of optimism for the group, as the proposed legislation for the State Office of Gun Violence Prevention currently maintains bipartisan support.