Delaware officials and community leaders convened a roundtable discussion on gun violence, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. The event, held on Tuesday, was led by Congresswoman Sarah McBride and featured former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a mass shooting survivor and advocate for gun safety legislation.
Participants noted a significant decrease in gun violence in Delaware, with a report from Attorney General Kathy Jennings indicating a 20% drop since 2020. Homicides in Wilmington reached a five-year low at the end of 2023, and shootings in Dover decreased by 23% during the same period. Despite these positive trends, discussions revealed stark disparities in gun possession and the impact of violence on specific demographics.
According to data analyzed by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while Delaware ranked as the 13th lowest state for gun deaths in 2023, the overall gun death rate increased by 8% from 2014 to 2023. Notably, Black males aged 15 to 34, who represent merely 3% of the state’s population, accounted for 40% of all gun homicide deaths.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos expressed concerns about the alarming trend of youth carrying firearms, stating, “One of those was a 12-year-old with a handgun.” He highlighted the increasing prevalence of high-caliber weapons and modifications that allow firearms to function like automatic weapons.
The roundtable also addressed the impact of federal funding cuts on local efforts to combat gun violence. These cuts stem from bipartisan legislation enacted following a tragic school shooting in Texas that resulted in the loss of 19 children. Traci Murphy, from the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence, emphasized the responsibility of policymakers and community members in preventing children from accessing firearms. “When you hear about a 12-year-old accessing a firearm, you know that someone has failed,” she stated.
Participants pointed out that suicides now outnumber murders in Delaware. A report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions revealed that, among the 124 gun deaths recorded in 2023, there were 43 homicides and 76 suicides. The alarming national trend shows that six out of ten gun deaths were suicides, with a notable increase among young Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals.
Dr. David Chen, medical director for Empowering Victims of Lived Violence at ChristianaCare, raised concerns that cuts to federal assistance programs could lead to economic instability, potentially increasing the risk of suicidal ideation. He remarked on the distress observed in the Black community in Wilmington, where individuals might engage in riskier behaviors due to feelings of insecurity.
The roundtable participants stressed that sustained funding is critical for ongoing efforts in gun violence prevention. They expressed alarm over proposed cuts to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, warning that such reductions could hinder crime prevention initiatives.
The establishment of the Group Violence Intervention initiative by former Governor John Carney and the recently created Office of Gun Violence Prevention under Governor Matt Meyer were credited with helping to reduce gun violence. Additionally, lawmakers have initiated a statewide Office of Suicide Prevention, pending action from Meyer.
This meeting underscored the urgent need for continued collaboration and funding to address the complexities of gun violence in Delaware. As the situation evolves, community leaders remain committed to fostering a safe environment for all residents. The conversation reflects a broader commitment to tackling the multifaceted issues surrounding gun safety and mental health in the state.
This report was supported by a statehouse coverage grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
