Anchorage Assembly adopts 'Wear Orange' resolution after amendment debate

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution recognizing June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and encouraging residents to take part in Wear Orange weekend (June 5–7). The measure, introduced by Members Park, Baldwin Day and Martinez, drew both amendment votes and public testimony from local gun-violence prevention advocates.

An initial amendment that would have struck the first two whereas clauses — language Assembly members said aggregated differing categories of firearm death and relied on advocacy-group estimates — failed on a 6–6 tie. A follow-up amendment that narrowed the challenged language so it only states that Alaska has a high rate of firearm deaths passed, and the revised resolution was adopted on a recorded vote of 9–3.

Local volunteers with Moms Demand Action and other groups supported the resolution during public testimony. April Richard, the organization’s local lead, thanked sponsors and said the local campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage secure firearm storage and community prevention work. Erica Taylor, a survivor-family advocate, described Wear Orange as a way of honoring victims and supporting survivors.

Assembly discussion focused narrowly on statistical accuracy and phrasing in the preamble. Members who proposed edits said they sought to avoid mixing suicide and homicide statistics or to avoid relying on modeled economic-impact numbers. Supporters said the resolution’s core purpose — recognizing victims and encouraging community action — remained intact after the edits.

The Assembly’s adoption of the Wear Orange resolution does not itself change municipal law or funding. It signals municipal recognition of a national awareness campaign and calls for community engagement on gun-safety and prevention efforts.