By Danielle Smith
Pennsylvanians are expected to gather in Harrisburg on June 2 for the annual End Gun Violence Advocacy Day, where they will urge state lawmakers to pass firearm restrictions supporters said would make communities safer.
Advocates said gun violence continues to devastate towns and cities across Pennsylvania, with 1,600 people dying from it each year and 3,000 more injured.
Adam Garber, CEO of the advocacy group CeaseFirePA, said the event is intended to show substantial action is needed to reduce gun violence.
“We are particularly focused on increasing investment in violence prevention programs, which are responsible for the historic decline in shootings across the Commonwealth and advancing life-saving policies,” Garber explained.
Garber pointed out the CeaseFirePA Education Fund’s “Deadly by Design” project shares stories from people affected by gun violence. He added Shalon Buskirk, whose son Najeere was killed in an Allentown shooting involving a machine gun converter, will attend the rally and speak about her loss and the need to ban the devices to prevent similar tragedies.
Garber noted recent federal cuts eliminated some funding for community violence prevention programs in Pennsylvania. State leaders have continued to support those efforts, he stressed, and research shows they can be effective.
CeaseFirePA is calling for added support to make up for federal funding gaps. Garber emphasized advocates do not want to lose momentum.
“The middle of the budget season is the chance for the General Assembly to say, ‘We’re excited that homicides are at the lowest level in decades, and we understand that if we’re going to continue that progress, it’s critical we continue to invest in our community leaders who are saving lives,’” Garber urged.
A 2024 analysis from the Pew Research Center found nearly 6 in 10 U.S. gun deaths were suicides.
The gun safety group supports several firearm reform bills introduced last year, including House Bill 1065, which would ban ghost guns statewide. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.|
Related: A Pennsylvania Dad Lost His Son to Gun Violence. Now He Fights for Stronger Gun Laws.
