Access the full proclamation here. The full text of the proclamation is included below.
Proclamation from the Governor of the State of Maryland
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
June 5, 2026
WHEREAS, Hundreds of lives are taken each year by gun violence in Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Protecting public health and safety is a top priority for the State of Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Support for legal ownership of firearms goes hand-in-hand with preventing gun crimes before they happen through the implementation of evidence-based practices, like strong regulations and background checks, that are proven to result in lower rates of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Addressing gun violence is more important than ever, as we see gun violence continue to impact communities across the state and country; and
WHEREAS, National Gun Violence Awareness Day was inspired by Hadiya Pendleton, who was tragically shot and killed, and honors her life and the many other victims and survivors of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, The Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention, established in 2024, addresses gun violence as both a public safety priority and a public health crisis by connecting agencies, local health departments, law enforcement, and the community to facilitate collaboration and coordination, identify and advance policy, and address implementation and funding gaps; and
WHEREAS, Strategies to address the epidemic in Maryland have resulted in historic decreases in homicides and non-fatal shootings under the Moore-Miller Administration; and
WHEREAS, On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the State of Maryland renews our commitment to reduce gun violence and our pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the hands of people who should not have access to them and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our families and communities safe.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim JUNE 5, 2026 as NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.
