New York City raised awareness for gun violence by lighting City Hall the color orange the evening of June 30 to honor the final day of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. In addition to lighting City Hall orange, Mayor de Blasio hosted a town hall focused on gun violence in Brooklyn.
“By lighting City Hall orange, we reiterate our pledge to combat gun violence and promote common-sense legislation that will save lives throughout this city and this nation,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio
In 2013, New York State became the first state in the nation to designate an entire month to raising awareness around the issue of gun violence. Each June, cities, community organizations and New Yorkers across the state work to combat gun violence through annual heightened attention to gun violence and safety.
“As Gun Violence Awareness Month is coming to an end, we must ensure that the movement does not. Let’s hold on to the resolve to fight against gun violence and advocate for the future of our youth. Lighting City Hall orange is a meaningful sign of solidarity with those who have lost loved ones to gun violence. This year alone, we have had more than 25,000 incidents of gun violence in America. This is a serious epidemic that deserves the attention of all. I commend all of the advocates who have been on the front lines fighting this problem, and the elected officials who have put this issue on their radar,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams.
