February 1-8, 2021: Gun Violence Survivor Week

WHEREAS, according to the Giffords Law Center, more than 36,000 Americans are killed in acts of gun violence and 73,000 more are shot and wounded every year; and,

 

WHEREAS, an average of 1,187 Michiganders die from gun violence every year; and,

 

WHEREAS, a gun violence survivor is anyone who has personally experienced gun violence, whether having witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened or wounded with a gun, or having cared for someone injured or killed; 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 unintentional shootings; and,

 

WHEREAS, according to a study by  SurveyUSA, 58 percent of American adults or someone they care for have experienced gun violence in their lifetimes, demonstrating the reach and impact gun violence has in communities across America; and,

 

WHEREAS, communities across our state and nation are working to end the senseless violence by advocating for common-sense gun safety measures; and,

 

WHEREAS, by commemorating Gun Violence Survivors Week from February 1 to February 8, communities across Michigan will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives stolen by gun violence; and,

 

WHEREAS, we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and also encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our communities safe;

 

THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 1-8, 2021, as Gun Violence Survivor Week in Michigan.