Gun Violence Awareness Day: Richmond names new director to lead prevention efforts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Leaders with the City of Richmond gathered alongside gun violence prevention advocates at City Hall on Friday to declare June 6 as Gun Violence Awareness Day.

It kicked off a weekend of “Wear Orange” events aimed at honoring gun violence victims and demanding change.

"No child should grow up fearing for their safety at home, at school, or on the bus ride in between,” said Kristin Dumont, group leader for Richmond Moms Demand Action. “We here in Richmond are no stranger to innocent children being caught in the crossfire.”

Orange signs and people wearing orange clothing filled the room, as speakers highlighted the toll of gun violence both locally and nationally.

"As of May 31 of this year alone, we've had 169 mass shootings in our country. 216 people have been killed, 643 people have been wounded," said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards.

Edwards said Virginia sees around 1,200 gun-related deaths per year, ranking as the 34th state with the highest rate of gun violence nationwide.

"Expressive gun violence is not planned," Edwards said. "It happens when people are unable to resolve their disputes and they have easy access to firearms."

To comb at this, Mayor Danny Avula announced the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention is almost ready to open, with Greg Hopkins as its director.

It's a city-led initiative he said will bring a more data-driven and coordinated approach to local intervention efforts.

"I know that we can create a Richmond where every child and every family and every neighborhood is safe," Avula said.

Moving forward, Avula said the first Friday of June will be Richmond's annual Gun Violence Awareness day.

On Saturday June 7, the Richmond Kickers will host a fundraiser for the Richmond Moms Demand Action group at City Stadium. It starts at 7 p.m, and tickets can be found here.

To end the 'Wear Orange' weekend, several city leaders will join the Moms Demand Action group at Main Line Brewery from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 -- raising awareness one event at a time.