Gillibrand calls for gun violence prevention funding

WASHINGTON (NEWS10) — New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the U.S. Senate to include funding for gun violence prevention and support services in the next coronavirus relief package.

The stay-at-home orders have led to an increase in truancy among youth due to school closures, unemployment, and housing and food insecurity — factors that have increased community gun violence.

Sen. Gillibrand is asking for $250 million to help support community-based violence intervention programs.

“The coronavirus outbreak has only amplified the gun violence epidemic in our country and it’s time we implement common sense solutions to a problem that affects communities across the country. I will continue fighting to keep New Yorkers safe from gun violence as we fight this pandemic.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

News10’s county-by-county coronavirus tracker
More coronavirus news from News10
Watch updates from officials
Important resources
Capital Region COVID-19 test sites
Reopening Resources

LATEST STORIES

• NYC white woman fired after backlash from racist Central Park confrontation
• States volunteer to host RNC as Trump considers moving it from North Carolina
• Wilton’s Grant Cottage to be featured in History Channel series
• How lawmakers respond to nursing homes being at the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic
• House seeks answers on PPE shortages at the beginning of coronavirus pandemic