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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mayor David LaGrand of Grand Rapids has declared June as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." This announcement was made during a committee meeting on Tuesday (June 2). Mayor LaGrand emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "If we're going to be serious about preventing gun violence in our city, we have to take individual responsibility to be our neighbor's keepers."
City Manager Mark Washington supported the proclamation, noting that although the number of homicides has decreased this year, the issue remains a priority. He described the current homicide rate as "concerning" and "very alarming and disturbing."
The proclamation comes after a spate of violent events, including multiple shootings and a police-involved incident. According to WOOD TV, these incidents have heightened community fears, with residents expressing concerns about safety on the streets.
The theme for this year's awareness month is "United for Safe Communities: Awareness, Action, and Healing." Community leaders, including Rev. Jerry Bishop, have highlighted the need for a collective effort to address gun violence. Bishop shared a poignant encounter with a young man who expressed fear about his safety on the streets, illustrating the pervasive impact of violence on daily life.
Despite the city's efforts, Mayor LaGrand's approach has faced criticism. The National Shooting Sports Foundation criticized LaGrand for comments suggesting gun owners should feel ashamed, arguing that such rhetoric divides the community and misdirects attention from the real issues of criminal behavior and illegal firearm trafficking.
As Grand Rapids moves forward with Gun Violence Awareness Month, city officials and community organizations aim to foster a culture of care and responsibility, while addressing the root causes of violence.