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.   

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.”

Governor Carney’s Statement on House Passage of Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney issued the following statement on Tuesday’s vote in the Delaware House of Representatives to approve the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act.

“Thank you to members of the Delaware House of Representatives for their bipartisan vote to approve this important piece of legislation. The Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act would responsibly restrict access to firearms for those who are considered a danger to themselves or others – while protecting the due process rights of all Delawareans. The bill also takes steps to ensure that Delaware health professionals and law enforcement are working more closely together on the issue of gun safety. We remain committed to working with members of the General Assembly, in both parties, to directly confront the issue of gun violence in a comprehensive way. As I have said, we need a national approach to gun safety. But we cannot wait to do what’s right in Delaware. We must take steps that will make our state safer. This vote today represents important progress. Thank you to members of the House for their vote, and I look forward to the Delaware Senate considering this legislation.”

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

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Related news:
Governor Carney, Representative Bentz Announce Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act

Legislation would limit access to firearms for those considered a danger to themselves or others

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday joined Representative David Bentz, the Coalition Against Gun Violence and other members of the General Assembly in announcing the introduction of the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act.

The legislation – similar to a bill advanced in 2013 by then-Attorney General Beau Biden – would help limit access to firearms for those who present a danger to themselves or others. Representative Bentz is the prime sponsor of the legislation, which also takes steps to protect due process and ensure that the state does not create barriers to care for those suffering from mental illness.

“Today we brought together a wide-ranging coalition of advocates to introduce legislation aimed at confronting an issue our entire country faces – gun violence,” said Governor Carney. “This legislation will protect our communities by restricting access to firearms for those who are considered a danger to themselves or others. It will also ensure our health professionals and law enforcement are working more closely together when it comes to the issue of firearms. We’re honored to introduce this legislation under the name the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act, carrying on Beau’s legacy and recognizing his commitment to protecting Delawareans during his time as Attorney General.”

“We have an obligation to prevent senseless gun violence whenever possible. When a person presents a danger to themselves or others, mental health professionals can help prevent some of these tragedies and save lives,” said Representative David Bentz. “The Beau Biden bill achieves a balance between promoting public safety and sensible gun control policy while protecting the due process and Second Amendment rights of Delawareans. This balance is why there was so much consensus among mental health professionals, Second Amendment advocates, and legislators of both parties, when it was originally proposed.”

“Beau was passionate about keeping firearms out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others. He worked hard to get this bill passed in 2013, thinking it was a smart, common-sense bill that would have protected the people of our state,” said Hallie O. Biden. “He was disappointed when it failed to garner a majority in the Senate, and my family and I are grateful that the Governor and members of the General Assembly brought this bill back. We’re eager to see it pass.”

“Though issues around gun safety are multi-faceted and complex, we need to have these challenging discussions. I am proud that in Delaware, we have had a history of taking charge on the issue of gun safety, and we are taking another stand today,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. “This legislation is about making sure that firearms are not in the hands of dangerous people and gives mental health professionals more tools if they believe a patient is a danger to themselves or others. It is a delicate and complex issue that requires a variety of different stakeholders to work together, and I am proud that we have been able to join forces on this issue.”

“Washington’s failure to act on America’s gun violence epidemic means that Delaware and other states need to lead,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry. “But we also have to make sure that taking action on gun safety doesn’t perpetuate the harmful myth that people with mental health issues are dangerous, or prevent people from seeking treatment. That’s why I’m so proud to join Rep. Bentz as a sponsor on gun safety legislation that relies on science, not talking points or stigma.”

DETAILS OF THE LEGISLATION:

The Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act would add the following individuals to the list of persons prohibited from owning a firearm:

• Any person who has been committed to a hospital for treatment of a mental condition.
• Perpetrators of violent crimes who have been found:
  • Not guilty by reason of insanity;
  • Guilty but mentally ill;
  • Mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Those individuals are currently not prohibited from owning firearms under current law. The legislation announced Tuesday would require health professionals to report to law enforcement anyone they believe presents a danger to themselves or others. Appropriate law enforcement agencies must then investigate – and may seek an order from Superior Court to require individuals to relinquish firearms, if they are found to present a danger.

The Court may allow individuals to relinquish firearms to a personal designee. The legislation also allows affected individuals to appeal orders to the Supreme Court, and petition to have their firearms returned.

“I believed in this bill when Beau and I were advancing it in 2013, and if I could, I’d vote for it again,” said Michael Barbieri, chair of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence Education Fund. “This bill is another common-sense piece of legislation that will make our communities safer and help prevent gun violence in our state. Our small state has led the country on gun violence legislation for the past five years, with laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and to close the Charleston loophole for background checks, and I’m proud to see that momentum continue with this bill.”

“While we know that the vast majority of people living with a serious and persistent mental illness are much more likely to be victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators, we also know there are warning signs that we must heed,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician. “When individuals with a mental illness are a danger to themselves or others, we must act to protect them and others.”

Attorney General Matthew Denn, joined by leaders of Delaware’s business and community reinvestment communities, called on the General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee to hold a special meeting this month to allocate $2 million in escrowed funds to help the cities of Wilmington and Dover pay for law enforcement resources to address a surge in gun violence.

Attorney General Denn, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce President Richard Heffron, and Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council Executive Director Rashmi Rangan noted, in making their request, that violent gun crime in Wilmington and Dover is “killing and wounding residents (including in some cases children), creating chaotic living situations for those trapped in violent neighborhoods, and threatening the economic vitality of both the state’s capital and its largest city.”

The escrowed funds are part of $36 million in settlements negotiated by the Delaware Department of Justice with Bank of America and Citigroup for misconduct committed in the national financial markets by those banks.   Funds from a similar settlement with JP Morgan Chase were used from March 8th through July 17th of this year to pay overtime salaries to Wilmington Police Department officers to conduct foot patrols in high-crime areas of the city from 6 pm to 1 am, seven nights a week.  In tandem with expanded patrol efforts made by the Wilmington Police Department, these efforts had a demonstrable positive impact on public safety: the rate of homicides in the City of Wilmington dropped by two thirds during the time period that these expanded patrols were occurring.

The letter emphasized to JFC members the importance of holding a meeting now, rather than waiting for the legislature to return in January.  “[T]he residents of parts of Dover and Wilmington are living under siege, and we do not have the luxury of waiting for weeks or months to put the law enforcement presence on the street necessary to secure their safety.”

In making their request for prompt approval of the $2 million, the authors of the letter reiterated their previously-stated position that all of the $30 million in settlement funds should be used to support economically-impacted communities, rather than to temporarily plug holes in the general fund budget.  “We have strong opinions about the importance of the General Assembly spending all of the remaining $30 million in settlement funds on specified projects for low-income communities rather than simply folding them into the general fund,” the letter states, “and we will reiterate those opinions at the appropriate time.  For now, though, our request is that the Joint Finance Committee agree to the use of a small fraction of those funds to allow us to secure the streets of Dover and Wilmington.”