Governor Josh Shapiro Reestablishes the Gun Violence Prevention Office

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to resume the activities of the state’s Gun Violence Prevention Office.

Shapiro stated that he has spoken with many Pennsylvania residents who have lost loved ones to gun violence, which is why “my administration took real steps to reestablish and resource the Gun Violence Prevention Office.”

“Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, we will bring together public safety and public health experts, survivors and advocates of gun violence, and leaders from state and local agencies to address and prevent gun violence across the state.”

The governor committed to continuing his efforts to ensure that Pennsylvania residents can be and feel safe in their communities and have the true freedom that comes from being able to walk the streets without worrying about gun violence.

According to Governor Shapiro’s office, last year, homicides decreased by 16% statewide, compared to 13% nationally. In addition, 29 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties saw a decline in homicides, including a 23% decrease in Philadelphia.

In September, the office detailed that homicides in Philadelphia had dropped by 36% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

¿What Does the Executive Order Mandate?

The executive order signed by Shapiro imposes the following responsibilities on the Pennsylvania Gun Violence Prevention Office:

• Convene an advisory group of national, state, and community experts in violence prevention, gun violence survivors, healthcare and behavioral health professionals, members of law enforcement, and other state agencies
• Partner with the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Human Services, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other Commonwealth entities to create and maintain a comprehensive online data dashboard on gun violence and a resource center to track deaths, non-fatal injuries, and overall trends in crime and violence
• Raise awareness about firearm safety practices, such as safer storage
• Develop a gun violence prevention plan for the Commonwealth, including a multifaceted approach to addressing youth involvement in gun violence and the intersections of gun violence with domestic violence
• Seek non-state funding to support research, analysis, and implementation of effective gun violence prevention strategies
• Work with the Office of Victim Services to enhance services and support for individuals, based on the agency’s Gun Violence Victim Resource Initiative.

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Leaders in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives and Senate praised the governor’s decision to reinstate the Gun Violence Prevention Office as part of an effort to gather all possible resources to keep the state’s residents safe.