Greg Jackson highlights gun violence crisis and legislative successes in reducing homicides

Greg Jackson, former deputy director for the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, highlighted significant strides in reducing gun violence during a recent U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary meeting. Jackson, who has dedicated over a decade to addressing gun violence, shared personal experiences and alarming statistics that underscore the urgency of the issue.

He noted that gun violence has become a leading cause of death among youth and pregnant women in America, with over 140,000 Americans shot annually. The crisis has escalated, particularly during the pandemic, with a 45% increase in homicides and a nearly 10% rise in gun suicides. In response to this growing epidemic, Jackson emphasized the bipartisan efforts that led to the passage of the Safer Communities Act, the first significant gun safety legislation in three decades. This law enhanced background checks, made gun trafficking a federal offense, and prohibited gun purchases by domestic abusers, while also investing $15 billion in youth mental health and community-based violence intervention programs.

Jackson reported promising outcomes from these initiatives, citing a 12% decline in homicides in 2023 and a further 14% reduction in 2024. Major cities with stringent gun laws, such as Boston and Milwaukee, experienced significant drops in violence, demonstrating the effectiveness of strong gun regulations combined with community support.

As Jackson concluded, he stressed that these statistics represent real lives affected by gun violence, reinforcing the importance of continued action and investment in effective strategies to protect communities across the nation. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing gun violence through legislative action and community engagement, aiming for a safer future for all Americans.