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Dear Friend,
Last month, I signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, building on our work to protect public safety and save lives.
Too many Michiganders have lost loved ones to gun violence. Every life lost is a tragedy that affects our communities and underscores the need for thoughtful, evidence-based solutions.
Our new task force of experts in medicine, law enforcement, and policy will address the root causes of gun violence, use data to identify policy opportunities and recommend actions to save lives. We are continuing the work we did last year to enact commonsense gun violence prevention laws?background checks, safe storage, extreme risk protection orders, stronger penalties for domestic abusers, and greater investments in mental health and local law enforcement?to keep families safe. ?
I want to thank every Michigander who has been a strong advocate for reducing gun violence, including the families of the four Oxford students. Because of them, we can get this done.
Check out more details below about the work we are doing help to prevent gun violence and keep Michiganders safe in their communities.
Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
The Michigan Gun Violence Task Force will identify the root causes of gun violence, compile and report relevant data, maximize existing resources, solicit perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommend policies to save lives.
This group will be comprised of members reflecting a wide range of diverse stakeholders including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, and more. I am confident that we can make meaningful progress towards this goal.
To apply for an appointment to the task force, click here and select ?Gun Violence Prevention Task Force? within the application. All applications must be received by July 18, 2024, to be considered.? ?
Operation Safe Neighborhoods Recovers 660 Illegal Guns?
In Clinton Township, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist joined local law enforcement to announce that 660 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as agencies continue to step up efforts to keep communities safe this summer. ?
In 2022, we launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of people who cannot legally possess a gun due to prior criminal history.?
Michigan Department of Corrections parole and probation agents team up with local law enforcement across the state and conduct enhanced compliance checks on probationers and parolees who are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.?
We are getting illegal guns off the street before they can be used in the commission of a crime, helping Michiganders feel safe in their neighborhoods.?
Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Laws
All of the major commonsense gun violence prevention laws that I signed last year are now in effect. These are long-overdue steps we are proud to take that will save lives.
Universal background checks for all gun purchases will help keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals, domestic abusers, and people on terrorism watch lists and no-fly lists. Background checks also help law enforcement stay safe on the job and solve crimes more easily.
Safe storage requirements will help ensure that children do not accidentally get their hands on firearms or ammunition in the home and cause harm to themselves or others. Responsible gun owners will tell you how important it is to keep your guns locked up in your home.
Extreme risk protection orders, or red flag laws, will allow family, mental health providers, or law enforcement concerned about someone seeking to harm themselves or others to get a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms. When someone is a proven danger to themselves or others, law enforcement can now step in to stop them from committing domestic violence or another crime. ?
Investing in Public Safety
As a former prosecutor, it is a top priority of mine to keep our communities safe.
That?s why we have invested over $1.5 billion in public safety, working closely with local leaders, law enforcement officers, and community organizations to ensure people feel safe in their neighborhoods. And that?s why we funded and proposed expanding the Office of Community Violence Intervention, using evidence-based solutions to tackle the root causes of community violence.
I am proud of the steps my administration has taken to combat gun violence. The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents across our great state.
Let's keep working together to reduce gun violence and save lives.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
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