Salt Lake City

Mayor's Office of Equity & Inclusion

Mayor Mendenhall declares February 1 through February 7 Gun Violence Survivors’ Week in SLC

WHEREAS, this year marks the fifth annual National Gun Violence Survivors’ Week, which is observed from February 1 through February 7 to share and amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day of the year; and

WHEREAS, every year, nearly 40,000 Americans are killed in acts of gun violence, and approximately 76,000 more are shot and wounded; and

WHEREAS, Utah has the 25th highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, and on average, 400 Utahns are killed in acts of gun violence every year; and

WHEREAS, forms of gun violence can include, but are not limited to gun suicides, gun homicides, domestic violence involving a gun, shootings by law enforcement, and/or unintentional shootings; and

WHEREAS, 59 percent of American adults, including 71 percent of Black and Latinx Americans, or someone they care for has experienced gun violence in their lifetime, demonstrating the reach and impact gun violence has in communities across America; and

WHEREAS, a gun violence survivor is anyone who has personally experienced gun violence — whether you have witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened, or wounded with a gun, or had someone you know and cared for wounded or killed; and

WHEREAS, rather than highlight gun violence shooters’, we support elevating the voices of gun violence victims, survivors, and their families and will continue to promote messages focused on efforts to end gun violence and the lawful and responsible use of firearms; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City has and will continue to work with our residents, businesses, communities, and elected representatives to advocate for commonsense gun safety legislation to end this senseless violence; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City renews its commitment to reduce gun violence and pledges to do all we can to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our communities safe; and

WHEREAS, we encourage all citizens to support their local communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim February 1 to February 7, 2023, as:

Gun Violence Survivors’ Week in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.

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