Essex County commissioners adopt resolution declaring first Friday in June Gun Violence Awareness Day

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners on May 21 adopted a resolution recognizing the first Friday in June as Gun Violence Awareness Day and urging continued county efforts to prevent firearm deaths.

The board president opened the item and Commissioner Brennan Gill introduced the resolution, saying it recognizes the day to "honor and remember all the victims and survivors of gun violence" and to treat gun violence as a public-health crisis. Gill cited statistics included in the resolution and urged ongoing local action.

Why it matters: advocates and county officials said the proclamation is symbolic but tied to programmatic work — from secure-storage campaigns to community-based violence-intervention grants — that they say can save lives. Alex Albu, first assistant prosecutor for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, thanked the commissioners for support and said county prosecutions and buyback programs have helped reduce homicides and shootings locally while stressing that "a historic low is not enough" and continued work is required.

Advocates from Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety addressed the board. "We wear orange to honor victims and raise awareness about secure firearm storage," Lorraine Lombati, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, told commissioners. Lombati cited national child-death statistics and urged secure-storage practices to prevent unintentional shootings.

Peg Zicope, co-lead of Moms Demand Action in Essex County, framed recent federal and Supreme Court developments as part of the local context: she cited the U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen and described a sharp nationwide increase in concealed-carry approvals since that ruling. Zicope said New Jersey has stricter gun laws that have helped reduce violence but warned of national trends and funding cuts to community-violence intervention programs.

Board discussion was brief and supportive. Commissioner Marie Thomas thanked advocates and recounted personal experience that shaped her public-safety priorities. The deputy clerk recorded a roll call: six votes in favor, three commissioners absent; the resolution passed and the board invited advocates forward for a photo.

Next steps: the proclamation will be made available through the county's platforms and advocates said they intend to continue outreach, education and secure-storage programs in Essex County.