Office will coordinate cross-agency efforts and center community voices in the fight to reduce gun violence
Source: Gov Meyer Office
DOVER– Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed Executive Order #9, establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, a coordinated statewide effort to address gun violence and promote safer communities across Delaware. The Office will operate under the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and will focus on interagency collaboration, data-driven policy, and community engagement to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.
“Gun violence is not just a statistic—it’s a daily reality for too many Delaware families,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “As Governor, I am committed to delivering meaningful, measurable change that improves lives. By taking this step, we are reaffirming our commitment to public safety and ensuring that every Delawarean can live in a community free from the threat of gun violence.”
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety will:
- Coordinate existing state and local programs.
- Promote cross-agency data sharing and collaboration.
- Serve as a point of contact for community-based organizations.
- Work with legislators and advocates to develop common-sense gun policy.
- Support the development of trauma-informed, evidence-based violence intervention strategies.
The office’s first year will focus on assessing existing programs, identifying gaps, and building a roadmap for integrated prevention efforts.
Governor Meyer was joined by DSHS Secretary Josh Bushweller, State Rep. Mara Gorman, and leaders from advocacy and community-based organizations, including the Coalition for a Safer Delaware, Everytown for Gun Safety, End Community Violence Now (ECVN), and others.
“By establishing the Delaware Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, Governor Meyer is making it clear that we will not let federal actions dictate the way that we protect our communities,” said Rep. Mara Gorman. “We are strongest when we work together, and we will make Delaware a place where no resident has to live in fear of gun violence.”
“The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is fully committed to making the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety a cornerstone of our mission,” said DSHS Secretary Josh Bushweller. “This Office will not only enhance interagency collaboration but also ensure that prevention, intervention, and community engagement are central to how we approach public safety in Delaware.”
Gun violence in Delaware continues to have devastating impacts, particularly in underserved communities:
- 124 Delawareans died from gun violence in 2022.
- Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in Delaware.
- Black men ages 15–34 make up just 6% of the population but account for 46% of gun deaths.
- The economic cost of gun violence in Delaware was estimated at $1.3 billion in 2022—approximately $1,236 per resident.
“Now more than ever, addressing gun violence at the state level is of critical importance. With the dismantling of federal progress, every state must have a clear and cohesive plan to stop the shootings that traumatize our communities and our families,” said Traci Murphy, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Safer Delaware. “This executive order marks a pivotal step forward in Delaware’s commitment to addressing gun violence as a public health crisis. It’s not just a policy move—it’s a promise to our communities.”
“We’ve long advocated for a coordinated, data-informed approach to gun violence prevention,” said Monisha Henley, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Governor Meyer’s executive order is exactly the type of leadership we need—placing community voices and public health at the center of prevention efforts. As a native Delawarean and a gun safety advocate, I couldn’t be prouder that our state is creating an office dedicated to doing just that.”
“Governor Meyer’s creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety is a pivotal step toward sustained progress that has been years in the making,” said Lauren Footman, Executive Director of End Community Violence Now. “As the funding landscape shifts, it’s more important than ever to strengthen public-private partnerships rooted in trust and shaped by community voices. ECVN was created through such a partnership—bringing together leaders from healthcare, philanthropy, government, and community to build coordinated, community-led infrastructure grounded in evidence. We’re excited to partner with the state and help align this new office with the work and insight of those already on the ground driving change.”
