Advocates are urging continued efforts and highlighting the importance of sustainable funding for prevention through targeted programs and public awareness campaigns

Today, End Community Violence Now (ECVN) and Operation West Laurel (OWL) have announced that there have been zero shootings or homicides in the rural town of Laurel, DE since January 2025. This is based on June 5, 2025 crime data provided by the Laurel Police Department.

Through a detailed comparison of violent crime statistics spanning 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Laurel Police Department found that although simple and aggravated assaults in Laurel increased from 2023 to 2024, all other instances of violence crime were trending downward. This includes the number of homicides, shootings, and shots fired. All violent crime in Laurel was down from 2024 levels as of June 5, 2025.

“The absence of shootings or homicides in Laurel this year shows what’s possible when the community comes together,” said ECVN Executive Director Lauren Footman. “Faith leaders, social service providers, law enforcement officials, and partners like Operation West Laurel are helping create the conditions for safety, while the Gun Violence Intervention (GVI) model ensures those most at risk receive support and accountability. These results are encouraging, but the rise in assaults reminds us we can’t be complacent – we must expand prevention programs, strengthen public awareness, and invest in solutions that stop violence before it starts.”

According to data from the Center for American Progress, rural counties and towns like Laurel have some of the highest gun homicides in the nation. This further demonstrates the critical need to invest in the evidence-based solutions to gun violence that ECVN, OWL and Laurel community leaders have presented to local officials.

While advocates and community members are encouraged by the downward trend in violent crimes, they are calling for an increased focus on assault prevention through targeted programs and public awareness campaigns on the consequences of committing simple and aggravated assault. Advocates, including OWL, are continuing to call on Laurel public officials to invest in community policing, gun safety education, and stronger regulations to address the rise in assaults and weapons offenses.

Operation West Laurel (OWL) is a local organization formed on April 15, 2023, following the tragic death of Corey Mumford — the first of three young adults killed in a six-month period. These losses catalyzed community conversations, direct engagement with then-Governor John Carney, and ultimately led to the expansion of Gun Violence Intervention (GVI) efforts into Laurel. GVI and OWL has since taken the lead in coordinating local stakeholders and advancing community-driven safety solutions in West Laurel.

“When communities can see the data for themselves, it changes the conversation,” said Anna “Amy” Handy, ECVN board chair and founder of Operation West Laurel (OWL). “Transparency helps us move beyond assumptions and focus on what’s actually working. The progress in Laurel proves that when communities, local and state leaders, and philanthropy work together, we can build trust and save lives.

ECVN and OWL will highlight the GVI work taking place in Laurel and across the state of Delaware at the inaugural Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Summit. The CVI Summit will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14,. at Delaware State University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Center, 1200 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. This event is free and open to the public.

The panel, titled Collaborating for Impact: A Case Study of Laurel, DE, will demonstrate how community members, interventionists, government, and law enforcement are working together to address real needs. Panelists will explore how state agencies can strengthen local strategies, build sustainable public safety ecosystems, and share real-world examples of effective coordination between government and grassroots efforts.

Additional information, including how to register for End Community Violence Now and Delaware State University’s inaugural Community Violence Intervention Summit can be found online.

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End Community Violence Now (ECVN) is the state of Delaware’s community-based Office of Violence Prevention. This public-private partnership seeks to break the cycle of violence through coordinated and sustained investments in evidence-based programs. This includes community engagement and education campaigns, policy advocacy, stakeholder strategy, as well as offering technical assistance and grant-making support to local organizations on the ground doing the difficult, but necessary work. ECVN envisions a future where all Delawareans are safe from the rising threat of gun violence.