Gov. Matt Meyer signs executive order establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety

DOVER, Del. – Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signing an executive order Thursday to establish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety.

“Ultimately what we’re hoping is that the number of shootings across our state is reduced, that’s the ultimate measure,” said Governor Meyer.

Lawmakers and community advocates are hoping this is one step closer to curbing gun violence in Delaware.

“This office really pulls together public health experts, community leaders, state and local officials as well as gun violence survivors to really talk about what is needed to address this crisis,” said Monisha Henley with Everytown for Gun Safety.

We’re told the office will focus on collaboration between agencies, data-driven policy and community engagement to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.

“It is just another commitment that the states are really leading the way on this important issue especially in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration where one of the first things he did when he took office was disband the Office of Gun Violence Prevention,” said Henley. “It’s incredible to see Delaware leading the way and saying we’re going to take that in house and we’re going to prioritize the resources to address this crisis.”

In 2022, 124 Delawareans died from gun violence.

The economic cost to Delaware? $1.3 billion, just over $1,200 per resident.

“The most important thing that government does is they say to families, they say to individuals you can go outside safely, you can play safely,” said Gov. Meyer. “You go to communities in Laurel, in Seaford, in Wilmington and places across the state, can we really honestly say that? The statistics say we cannot, so this office is to address that epidemic.”

“I think by streamlining our work and pulling everyone together, as I said building a big table where all of the voices are there and we’re hearing in real time what’s happening and how it’s being addressed, that’s the way we solve problems,” said Traci Murphy with Coalition for a Safer Delaware.

The office’s first year will focus on assessing existing programs, identifying gaps and building a roadmap for integrated prevention efforts.