City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, April 15, 2013) – Mayor Thomas S. Richards announced today that he has proclaimed the month of June as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in Rochester as part of a statewide effort to bring needed attention to the destructive costs of gun violence.
“I am proud to join other New York communities and state leaders to shine a spotlight on the horrors of gun violence,” said Mayor Richards. “Illegal guns have plagued our streets for far too long and they have contributed to the deaths of too many lives full of promise. Anything we can do to end this pain and suffering is a valuable and worthwhile undertaking.”
The statewide campaign to designate June as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” is being led by Assemblyman Karim Camara (D-43rd District) and State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson (D-36th District). The month of June was selected because gun violence typically peaks in the summer months.
It is anticipated that “Gun Violence Awareness Month” will evolve into an annual event and include special programming throughout the month of June to maintain the community’s focus on gun violence.
Read Mayor Richards’ Proclamation.
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News Media: For more information, call Gary Walker, Director of Communications, at 428-7405.