The Council of the District of Columbia has passed a resolution declaring June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month. This initiative aims to honor the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence, and to raise awareness about the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in the United States. The resolution highlights alarming statistics, including nearly 46,000 gun-related deaths annually, with a significant impact on children and teens. It also notes the disproportionate effect of gun violence on Black residents in the District, where a majority of homicide and nonfatal shooting victims are Black individuals.

The resolution emphasizes the need for continued efforts to reduce gun violence in the District, despite recent progress in decreasing gun offenses. It calls for comprehensive public safety investments, including community support in housing, education, job pathways, healthcare access, trauma healing, and violence intervention services. The Council encourages all residents to engage in local efforts to prevent gun violence and to honor the value of human life, with the resolution taking effect immediately.