Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, signed a bill earlier this week creating the first statewide gun violence prevention center.
The project is called the Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention Center and will be operated within the Maryland Department of Health. Its mission is to “strengthen and better coordinate Maryland’s public health approach to preventing gun violence,” according to a press release issued Thursday by the governor’s office.
“The Center will partner with local governments, advocates, and health professionals involved in violence intervention programs to build on the important gun violence intervention program pioneered in Maryland and ensure adequate funding and access. We will ensure that we are informed by the best data available,” the statement said.
Moore will follow in the footsteps of President Biden, who established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in September 2023. Old Line State was the first state to implement a statewide agency against gun violence, Moore said.
Republicans unite to defeat long-standing ‘restrictions’ on gun owners: ‘Violates the Second Amendment’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, inspired by Biden, established a statewide gun prevention center. (Getty Images / iStock)
“Maryland has become the first state in the nation to formally respond to President Biden’s call,” the governor told reporters.
Moore also signed the Apprenticeship and Public Safety Workforce Expansion (GAPS) Act, which aims to increase funding for police departments in the state.
“As police departments across the state face challenges in recruiting and retaining officers, this bill provides short- and long-term measures to address the problem by reforming the existing apprenticeship model for public safety officers. “We are proposing measures that aim to make apprenticeships a more viable option.” “We request the establishment of a model policy for executive officer health programs,” the statement said.
Pelosi reprimanded to face after criticizing Americans for clouding ‘guns, gays and God’ at Oxford debate
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks with The Associated Press in an interview Monday, April 8, 2024, at his office in Annapolis, discussing ongoing work at the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site and the final day of the state Legislature. talked about. Maryland. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)
This law was enacted as Baltimore continued to be ravaged by crime. According to the Baltimore Police Department’s website, there have been more than 1,800 aggravated assaults and 1,200 robberies since the start of 2024. In addition, there have been 155 shootings and 62 murders this year.
“When I took office, I said I would make public safety my top priority and move in a different direction on this issue because the status quo is not working,” Moore’s statement said. “Today, we will make Maryland better by supporting victims, building a stronger pipeline of law enforcement jobs, and signing legislation to tackle the gun violence epidemic head-on.” Make it safe.”
“While we are making progress, our work is not done yet. Together, we will continue to take an all-of-the-above approach to public safety.”
U.S. First Lady Jill Biden greets then-gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore (Republican) to applause during a rally on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, on November 7, 2022. US President Joe Biden (center). . (Mandel Gann/AFP via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to Moore’s office for additional comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
