New York, NY – Today, the White House announced the creation of the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The office will be under the purview of Vice President Kamala Harris and will focus on implementing existing legislation to address gun violence as well as providing support to states that are experiencing increases in gun violence. Daniela Gilbert, director of the Redefining Public Safety initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice, issued the following statement:

“I applaud the Biden administration for heeding advocates’ calls to prioritize actions against gun violence at the highest levels of the federal government. The formation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a crucial step to addressing the crisis of gun violence, which has harmed communities across this country for too long. Gun violence in the United States is a racial justice issue that has been neglected for too long, as have investments in services and resources for communities that overwhelmingly experience this type of violence. This White House office will provide essential support by coordinating action to reduce gun violence on the federal level, encouraging further congressional efforts and collaboration between local leaders and advocates. In recent years, we have seen the impressive impact that civilian-led violence intervention programs have had on gun violence. The Vera Institute of Justice is hopeful that this new office can strengthen strategies like these civilian- and community-led efforts, which go beyond traditional enforcement approaches to protect our communities.”

###

About the Vera Institute of Justice
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.