President Trump’s recent executive order, signed Friday, aims to roll back significant progress on gun violence prevention, including regulations on unserialized “ghost” guns, expanded background checks, and stronger oversight of lawbreaking gun dealers. These regulations, including the crackdown on untraceable firearms and the closing of the gun show loophole, have been essential in addressing rising gun violence.

Together with partners statewide, Coalition for a Safer Delaware and End Community Violence Now stand in support of the critical progress made at the federal level and statewide in Delaware in recent years. Delawareans have invested in and supported initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence, and this progress is now at risk. Delaware leaders are committed to ensuring that the work already done to improve safety is not undone.

The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention coordinated a national response to gun violence and helped drive a 13.5% reduction in nationwide homicides in 2023 after the largest recorded increase ever in gun homicides in 2020 during the Trump administration. A total of 46,728 people died from gun violence in the United States in 2023.

Traci Murphy, Executive Director of Coalition for a Safer Delaware, said in a statement:

“Guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens, and no executive order can stop us from working to save lives in Delaware. This executive order is a distraction from the real, community-focused, bipartisan work we do every day.”

“Delawareans from all three counties, from both major political parties, and regardless of gun ownership status, support efforts to prevent gun violence. Our communities are united in seeking evidence-based solutions that make us safer. We must continue to speak out and work together to strengthen the safeguards that protect Delaware.”

Lauren Footman, Executive Director of End Community Violence Now, shared the following statement:

“These measures threaten to reverse policies that have proven effective in reducing homicides and curbing illegal gun trafficking into our communities. This could put more people at risk and deepen the impact of gun violence across Delaware. Gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children and teens in the state.”

President Trump’s executive order threatens the progress Delaware has made in reducing gun violence. Our organizations, and partners, understand that effective gun violence prevention requires common sense gun laws informed by those most impacted. Rolling back important regulations, like those addressing ghost guns and unregulated gun sales, would reverse the collective efforts of those working to reduce gun violence in all its forms. We will continue to stand in support of our community partners along with state and local leaders to ensure our state remains committed to evidence-based gun violence prevention strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all Delawareans.

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About the Coalition for a Safer Delaware: The Coalition for a Safer Delaware is dedicated to ending gun violence in Delaware and nationwide through policy, prevention education, and partnerships. Learn more at saferde.org.

Contact:
Traci Murphy, Executive Director, Coalition for a Safer Delaware
call / text: 302-893-5528
[email protected]

About End Community Violence Now: End Community Violence is a community-based Office of Violence Prevention that coordinates efforts—such as investments, programs, initiatives, and actions—while aligning stakeholders with a shared responsibility to reduce community violence and gun violence across Delaware. Learn more at ecvndelaware.org.

Contact:
Lauren Footman, Executive Director, End Community Violence Now
call / text: 484-432-3369
[email protected]