Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza today joined mayors and law enforcement officials from across New England for the New England Regional Gun Violence Summit to share practices used across the region aimed at reducing the trafficking of illegal firearms as well as what is being done locally to prevent gun violence.
“Illegal guns and gun violence devastate families and communities. Today we are sharing ideas with cities throughout the region and discussing ways to reduce the scourge of illegal guns,” said Mayor Elorza. “I thank Mayor Walsh for hosting this conference and for his partnership on this important issue.”
The summit was hosted by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. Topics ranged from a statistical analysis of the sources of illegal guns, to sharing initiatives and ideas to address illegal guns and gun violence. Speakers included Tim Daly, the Director for Campaigns, Guns and Crime as well as Daniel Mulhern, Director of the Office of Public Safety Initiatives in Boston.
Mayor Elorza spoke to the group about the challenges Providence faces with illegal guns and steps the city is taking to address gun violence. Earlier this month, Mayor Elorza signed an executive order to create the Mayor’s Advisory Council to Reduce Gun Violence.
At the end of the session, attendees will create specific ideas for regional collaboration.