DSU Summit Brings Delaware Leaders Together to Tackle Gun Violence

Delaware leaders, educators, and community advocates gathered at Delaware State University in Dover on Tuesday for the second annual Community Violence Intervention Summit — just days after a deadly shooting in Dover over the weekend.
The summit, organized by End Community Violence Now and Delaware State University, featured speakers and discussions on collaborative violence prevention, supporting young people, and helping communities heal.
Dr. Lauren Footman, executive director of End Community Violence Now, said gun violence is not just a big-city problem — it is reaching rural and suburban communities across Delaware, calling it a statewide issue and a public health crisis that demands coordination among health care professionals, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Amy Handy, executive director of Operation West Laurel and a former educator, shared that she lost three former students to gun violence over a six-month period in 2023. She stressed investment in youth — mentorship, school-based programs, opportunities after graduation, and academic support.
Attendees were encouraged to mentor young people, support community programs, or reach out to elected officials. Organizers hope to make the summit an annual event.
Source: WDEL — https://www.wdel.com/news/dsu-summit-brings-delaware-leaders-together-to-address-gun-violence-following-fatal-shooting/article_e2747f10-121c-5157-9855-204525625cdc.html