Assembly Resolution No. 621
BY: M. of A. Richardson
MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2019, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2019, as Gun
Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were
39,773 people killed by guns in the United States in 2017; and
WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit
organization that tracks media and law enforcement reports of shootings,
at least 14,611 people were killed by guns in the United States in 2018
excluding suicides; and
WHEREAS, Gun-related deaths are the third leading cause of death for
American children, including approximately 1,600 gun-related homicides
per year; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services
reports that in 2016 there were over 10,000 violent crimes committed
with a firearm, and 367 gun deaths; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Criminal Justice Services affirms in
2017, firearms accounted for 25.5% of domestic violence incidents in the
State of New York, and 23.8% of domestic violence incidents in New York
City; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a devastating crisis
throughout the state with an increase of shootings and murders typically
occurring in the summer months; and
WHEREAS, The damage caused by gun violence is not limited by gender,
race, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and
WHEREAS, The effects of gun violence extend far beyond those struck
by a bullet; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue including prevention, intervention, education and
outreach; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders
is critical to the prevention of gun violence, the equal protection of
our citizens, and to ensure our state's safety for our youth; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2019, as Gun
Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
