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Lycoming County commissioners outline multi‑agency plan to address juvenile gun violence
Summary
Commissioners said they would convene schools, law enforcement, probation, health workers and youth to develop a data‑driven plan to tackle youth gun violence and seek funding through the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency Office of Gun Violence Prevention; public comment emphasized Second Amendment concerns.
Lycoming County commissioners said Tuesday they are convening local leaders, school superintendents, judges, probation officials, law enforcement, health partners and youth to develop a coordinated plan aimed at reducing juvenile gun violence.
Commissioners said stakeholders have already begun talks with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention and that county staff will pursue funding opportunities to host strategic planning sessions. The board said it will combine public‑health and public‑safety approaches and compile local data to identify causes and tailor proven interventions.
The board described next steps as a series of listening and planning meetings rather than a rapid policy response. One commissioner said the county will not take "jerk reactions" and emphasized a deliberate approach that brings parents, community leaders and agencies together. A follow‑up court/municipal meeting was noted for July 21; the board indicated another meeting with partners would take place within approximately two weeks.
During public comment, Bruce Clark of Muncy urged protection of firearm rights, citing federal cases (District of Columbia v. Heller; McDonald v. City of Chicago; New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen) and Pennsylvania constitutional language. Clark warned against storage restrictions that he said could hinder self‑defense. The chair responded that counties do not make laws and encouraged citizens to raise statutory concerns with state and federal legislators while pointing out that counties can set localized rules such as courthouse prohibitions.
Commissioners also discussed existing local efforts such as a youth commission in Hughesville and a program piloted in other counties that had shown results in reducing juvenile crime. Officials said the committee will examine funding and implementation options and return with a more detailed plan once data and stakeholders have been assembled.
