Meyer creates office to combat gun violence

An Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety was established through executive order May 1, in an effort to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.

“Gun violence is not just a statistic; it’s a daily reality for too many Delaware families,” said Gov. Matt Meyer in a press release after signing his ninth executive order. “As governor, I am committed to delivering meaningful, measurable change that improves lives. By taking this step, we are reaffirming our commitment to public safety and ensuring that every Delawarean can live in a community free from the threat of gun violence."

Meyer said the new office will provide a coordinated statewide effort to address gun violence and promote safer communities across Delaware. It will operate under the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, focusing on interagency collaboration, data-driven policy and community engagement to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths, he said.

The office’s first year will focus on assessing existing programs, identifying gaps and building a roadmap for integrated prevention efforts, Meyer said. According to statistics shared by the governor’s office, 124 Delawareans died from gun violence in 2022, and firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in Delaware. Recent shootings in the Dover area have involved preteens and early teenagers. Statistics shared by officials stated Black men ages 15-34 account for 46% of gun deaths even though they represent just 6% of the population. The economic cost of gun violence in Delaware was estimated at $1.3 billion in 2022 – about $1,236 per resident, according to statistics provided.

Meyer was joined by Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Josh Bushweller and other officials.

“The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is fully committed to making the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety a cornerstone of our mission,” Bushweller said in a press release. “This office will not only enhance interagency collaboration, but also ensure that prevention, intervention and community engagement are central to how we approach public safety in Delaware."