Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long Signs Proclamation Marking Gun Violence Awareness Week

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined state officials and community leaders to sign a proclamation marking the first full week of June as Gun Violence Awareness Week in Delaware.    

As school wraps up for the year, it’s important to increase public awareness for children and caregivers around the safe storage of firearms. National data shows that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Monday’s event was a call-to-action for awareness and safety.    

“Gun violence is a public health crisis, full stop. Far too many Delaware families wake up grieving the loss of a loved one and it’s on all of us to take a stand for safer communities,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “As we recognize Gun Violence Awareness Week this June, I encourage everyone to take actions to protect our children, practice responsibility, and advocate for common-sense safety measures.”    

“There is nothing more important than keeping our community safe,” said Governor John Carney. “We haven’t waited to do what’s right in Delaware around gun safety. We’ve banned assault weapons, limited high-capacity magazine, and strengthened background checks. But there’s more work to be done, especially at the community level. The Family Services Cabinet Council and the Delaware Community Gun Violence Reduction Project have been working across the state to create a shared approach on gun violence intervention and amplify the great work happening in our communities. This targeted outreach is critical to addressing gun violence.” 

Research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) cites that an estimated 4.6 million U.S. children live in homes with at least one loaded and unlocked gun. Delaware law currently requires the safe storage of firearms, which is a best practice to help to protect both adults and children from dire consequences.   

“Delaware is making real progress against gun violence — both in our legislature and in our neighborhoods, where we’ve reduced shootings by 30%  — and we owe that to the tireless work of advocates and legislators who have defied the gun lobby. But we still have work to do: guns remain the leading cause of death for children, the weapon of choice for homicide, and the leading method of suicide in our country. Much of our work needs to happen in the legislature, including through the passage of a handgun training and licensing law — but it also needs to happen at home,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Owning a gun is a responsibility; responsible gun owners keep their children and their communities safe by properly storing their firearms. I’m grateful to our Lieutenant Governor and to countless advocates who are promoting safe storage, and I continue to stand with everyone working to reduce the deadly impact of gun violence on our state.”  

Over the last five years, the First State has pursued comprehensive gun safety legislation. In 2022, Governor Carney signed a historic package of common-sense gun safety bills including measures to strengthen background checks and raise the age from 18 to 21 to purchase most firearms. One bill in consideration this legislative session is Senate Bill 2, which would require a permit and training to purchase a handgun.  

“As we gather together to commemorate Gun Violence Awareness Week, we should take a moment to be proud of the accomplishments we’ve made to keep Delawareans safe from gun violence. This work is not easy, and our fight is not over. There’s still one big job left to do, and that is passing a permitting law. I remain deeply committed to the passage of Senate Bill 2, and we will not stop until this bill gets signed into law,” said Senate Majority Whip S. Elizabeth Lockman and Senate Bill 2 prime sponsor. 

“It’s important for every Delawarean to understand how gun violence impacts all of us, in every community,” said Traci Murphy, Executive Director of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence. “Bringing awareness to this public health crisis is just one step in the long journey to solving Delaware’s gun violence crisis.”  

“I have a right and it’s not to remain silent. Gun violence is devastating, life-changing, and we need to continue to work together to address this epidemic. This Gun Violence Awareness Week we are coming together for our children, our communities, and our entire state,” said Shawn Flowers, a Community Activist. A survivor, Shawn tragically lost a child to gun violence in Wilmington and is committed to raising awareness.  

Watch a livestream of today’s Gun Violence Awareness Week proclamation signing on the Lt. Governor’s Facebook page.   


Governor Carney, Members of the General Assembly Announce Gun Safety Package

Joint Senate-House agreement ensures swift passage of critical gun safety measures

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, along with Senate and House Democratic Leadership, on Thursday announced a commitment to advance multiple gun safety bills before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30.

The package of gun safety legislation includes:

  • Banning the sale of assault weapons (HB 450)
  • Limiting high-capacity magazines (SB 6)
  • Raising the age from 18 to 21 to purchase most firearms (HB 451)
  • Strengthening background checks by reinstituting the Firearm Transaction Approval Program (FTAP) (HB 423)
  • Holding gun manufacturers and dealers liable for reckless or negligent actions that lead to gun violence (not yet introduced)
  • Banning the use of devices that convert handguns into fully automatic weapons (not yet introduced)

“We have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like we’ve seen across the country from happening here in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “This is a historic, meaningful package of legislation and I look forward to seeing these bills on my desk this session.”

“From news cycle to news cycle and election cycle to election cycle, Delawareans have been steadfast in their desire to see us take action that will reduce the gun violence plaguing our communities and address the wave of mass shootings gripping our nation,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman.

“Governor Carney and the advocates who built consensus around this package of strong, public safety bills deserve a tremendous amount of credit for demanding action after the latest round of horrific mass shootings,” they said. “The safety of our children and our communities simply cannot wait for endless debate and fence sitting. After working for years to raise the level of responsible gun ownership in our state, we and our colleagues in the Senate Majority Caucus stand ready to pass these critical, lifesaving measures this year. If we are not doing everything we possibly can to end gun violence, we are not doing enough.”

“Last week, an 18-year-old legally purchased a military-style semi-automatic rifle and used it days later to murder 19 elementary school students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Ten days earlier, an 18-year-old used a legally purchased semi-automatic rifle to kill 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y. The incidents have reignited discussions across the nation about gun safety and calls for legislative action to prevent future tragedies, and we are answering that call,” said House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and Majority Whip Larry Mitchell. “Taken together, these bills will have a significant and meaningful impact in combating gun violence and preventing future tragedies from happening in Delaware. While we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and try to prevent it from happening here. We are committed to passing strong firearm legislation that will make our communities safer.”

HB 450 and 451 will be heard in the House Administration Committee on Wednesday, June 8. If HB 450 is released from committee, it will be heard on the House floor on Thursday, June 9. The Senate will consider HB 450 and 451 promptly following House passage. The remainder of the package will be considered by both chambers before the end of June.

“Delaware must question what kinds of deadly weapons we allow to be sold, and to whom, in our state. To that end, we applaud the General Assembly for filing both a ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and a bill raising the minimum age for purchase,” said Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence Executive Director Traci Murphy. “It is a tragic fact that perpetrators of school shootings tend to be young, current or former students, and according to the Giffords Law Center, 18-to-20-year-olds account for 4% of the U.S. population but 17% of known homicide offenders. Advocates for gun violence prevention have done critical work in recent years, and this is exactly what we had in mind – two chambers coming together to pass strong, meaningful policies that will save lives in Delaware, and protect our children and communities from the trauma of gun violence.”

“Guns are getting into the hands of people who choose to walk into schools and kill multiple children and educators. The latest tragedy, at Robb Elementary, yet again underscores the need for evidence based, commonsense gun safety laws that keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those too immature to purchase and use them responsibly” said Delaware State Education Association President Stephanie Ingram. “We owe it to our students and educators to focus on legislation that will help keep our schools and communities safe and welcoming places.”

 


Gov. Carney and 11 Governors Issue Letter Calling on Federal Government to Take Action on Sensible Gun Safety Measures

Governors call for Red Flag Laws, Universal Background Checks, Banning Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines, Stricter Reporting Requirements

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Governors of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington today issued a letter calling on President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take action on sensible gun safety measures.

Read the letter here:

To: The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump
Cc: Senate Majority Leader, The Honorable Mitch McConnell

Our country continues to mourn the tragic events in Gilroy, El Paso, Dayton, Philadelphia, and Odessa. These five unnecessary and horrific tragedies took at least 34 lives, wounded dozens, and caused emotional trauma to countless others. Unfortunately, these losses account for only a fraction of recent gun-related deaths. In 2019, over 10,000 people have been shot and killed, and 570 people were killed by a gun in the past two weeks alone. Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this disturbing trend. Enough is enough.

Public safety is the first and most important responsibility of government, and the failure to act to protect the public is a failure in leadership. As Governors, it is our responsibility to listen to our communities’ calls for action. However, a patchwork of state laws will never be a substitute for coherent national policy.

The federal government has a history of acting on gun reform when the American public demands it. In 1934, the federal government regulated machine guns. In 1968, the federal government banned mail order gun sales. In 1994, the federal government implemented a 10-year ban on assault weapons. Americans are again calling on their government to act, and it’s time to listen.

Putting an end to the gun violence epidemic is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it is an American issue. Gun deaths do not have to be the norm. The time is now to break the cycle by enacting four common-sense measures. We implore you to work with Congress to pass sensible gun legislation that includes the following four policies that a majority of Americans support:

  • Pass Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation, commonly referred to as Red Flag laws, preventing individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a firearm;
  • Pass universal background checks closing the private gun sales loophole;
  • Outlaw assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; and
  • Establish stricter reporting requirements to prevent those deemed by a mental health professional to be a danger to themselves or others from purchasing a firearm

The American public supports action. So do we.

Governor Andrew Cuomo

State of New York

Governor Gavin Newsom

State of California

 

Governor Ned Lamont

State of Connecticut

 

Governor John Carney

State of Delaware

 

Governor JB Pritzker

State of Illinois

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

State of Michigan

 

Governor Phil Murphy

State of New Jersey

 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

State of New Mexico

 

Governor Kate Brown

State of Oregon

 

Governor Tom Wolf

State of Pennsylvania

 

Governor Gina Raimondo

State of Rhode Island

 

Governor Jay Inslee

State of Washington

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View and download a copy of the Governors’ letter.

Learn more about Governor Carney’s call for comprehensive gun safety reforms.

 

Related news:

Governor Carney Signs Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act

Governor Carney Signs Red Flag Legislation

Governor Carney’s Statement on Bump Stock Ban

Governor Carney Signs School Safety Legislation

New Delaware Law Requires Safe Storage of Firearms

Governor Carney Signs Legislation Strengthening Penalties on Straw Purchases

 


Governor Carney Signs “Red Flag” Legislation

HS 1 for HB 222 allows courts to issue a lethal violence protection order when citizens pose a danger to self or others

DOVER, Del. – On Wednesday, Governor John Carney signed House Substitute 1 for HB 222 into law surrounded by members of the General Assembly of both parties, law enforcement, and advocates for gun safety. This legislation, sponsored by Representative David Bentz, allows a court to issue a lethal violence protection order in cases where a family member or law enforcement officer can show that the respondent poses a danger to self or others by owning, possessing, controlling, purchasing or receiving a firearm.

“This new legislation is another tool to help law enforcement and our community confront gun violence,” said Governor John Carney. “One piece of legislation alone will not solve the problem of gun violence, but with a comprehensive approach, along with efforts to strengthen security in our schools, we can make a difference. We’ve made great progress this legislative session and I would like to thank members of the General Assembly and advocates for their tireless work on this issue.”

This bill in the latest in a package of gun safety measures Governor Carney has signed into law this legislative session, including the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act, toughening penalties around straw purchases, and banning “bump stocks” in the state.

“Red flag bills are significant components of gun safety reform, and I am so proud that Delaware has led in this effort this year with HS 1 for HB 222. We have taken a significant step forward to protect public safety and hopefully prevent some of these tragic instances of gun violence,” said Representative David Bentz. “While we may not be able to stop every horrific incident, a lethal violence protective order will reduce access to guns and empower citizens and law enforcement to intervene if a loved one presents a danger to themselves or others. Delaware has the opportunity to be model for the entire country with this legislation and it has been an honor to drive the initiative forward.”

 

“This is an example of a gun bill that everyone should be able to support,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry. “There is no clearer sign that somebody shouldn’t have a gun than a family member, or a member of law enforcement, saying they might hurt themselves or another. HB 222 will save lives without compromising due process. I applaud Rep. Bentz for the yeoman’s work he’s done building consensus around this common-sense reform.”

“I am very pleased to see this measure pass. This proposal accomplished two important goals: protecting the due process rights of Delawareans and providing people recourse whenever they feel immediately threatened and there is strong evidence that a person is a threat,” said Senator Anthony Delcollo. “This bill provides robust protections for civil rights while empowering law enforcement to act for the safety or our community. Thank you to Governor Carney and Representative Bentz for working with me to keep Delawareans safe and preserve these important constitutional protections.”

“This is the type of law that has been proven to save lives in other states,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “It will save lives here, too.”

“Keeping firearms out of dangerous hands is essential to our public safety,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “Owning and using guns is a responsibility that must be taken seriously and with caution. When that responsibility is at risk, we have to do all we can to protect those individuals from harming their self or others. Thank you to Rep. Bentz and the members of the General Assembly for supporting this measure and making Delaware safer.”

“In response to demands from Americans to stop gun violence, lawmakers in states across the country are finding the courage to pass bills that can save lives,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords. “If we’re serious about saving lives, we must continue to be serious about giving families and law enforcement officials the tools they need to prevent people at risk of harming themselves or others from accessing guns. Leaders in Delaware understand this and it’s why they’ve worked tirelessly with gun prevention advocates to sign this legislation into law. I applaud Governor Carney and the Delaware legislature for demonstrating the courage to show Congress and the rest of the country how we can take responsible steps to help keep guns out of the hands of people who are experiencing a crisis.”

“The significance of the bipartisan support for HB 222 cannot be overstated,” said Dennis Greenhouse, chair of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence Legislative Fund. “This law passed through the entire General Assembly without a single vote against it, with co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. That is a testament to how hard Rep. David Bentz worked in support of this bill, and he did work tirelessly to bring people together and to craft truly meaningful legislation. We cannot thank him enough. Lethal Violence Protection Orders will protect our family members, our friends and our neighbors in their most vulnerable moments. In just the past few weeks, new research has shown that states that enact Red Flag laws see significant decreases in gun-related suicides. This is what we mean when we talk about common-sense gun violence legislation — and this law will save lives in Delaware.”

“This bill strengthens our current state law by creating a mechanism to temporarily prohibit individuals that pose an immediate threat of harm to themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms,” said Robert Coupe, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “Allowing law enforcement officers to request an emergency lethal violence protective order through the Justice of the Peace Court creates a process that can be quickly utilized in emergency situations thus increasing public safety.”

“Today is a momentous occasion. This Red Flag bill signing demonstrates that Delaware continues to lead the way across the country on common sense gun policies,” said Sarah Stowens, volunteer leader with the Delaware chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “We could not be more proud of Governor Carney and lawmakers in the First State for making a serious commitment to gun safety and taking a critical step toward protecting our communities from gun violence.”

Learn more about Governor Carney’s call for comprehensive gun safety in Delaware.

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Learn more about Governor Carney’s call for comprehensive gun safety in Delaware.

Click here to watch video from the bill signing.

Click here for photos from the bill signing.


Governor Carney’s Statement on Bump Stock Ban

DOVER, Del.Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the following statement after signing legislation to ban bump stock devices in Delaware:

“Delaware has made progress in strengthening our gun safety laws this legislative session with the support of students and advocates across the state, and today is no exception. By signing this bill into law, we are saying that there is no place in Delaware for bump stocks and other devices that are used to increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic weapons, making these weapons even more potentially deadly. This ban is one piece in a package of comprehensive gun safety legislation that will help us protect Delawareans. I want to thank Representative Longhurst for her leadership on this issue, and members of the General Assembly of both parties for coming together to protect our communities.”

Learn more about Governor Carney’s call for comprehensive gun safety reform.

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