RES13-07 4

Wilmington, Delaware
December 5, 2013

#3889 WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington is now experiencing a pandemic of gun violence
Sponsor: and homicides among young African American males; and

Conncil WHEREAS, according to a State of Delaware Criminal Justice Co\mcil Study of

Member "Delaware Shootings 20 12", it identified 196 shooting incidents in which the City of
Shabazz Wilmington accounted for more than 51.5% of state-wide incidents and more than
Co-Sponsors: 58.1% resulted in fatality; and
Council
Members WHEREAS, the Study further found that African American males comprised 85.5%
Williams
Dorsey Walker of all shooting suspects, with an average age of23.9 years; and
Cabrera
Wright WHEREAS, children and youth constantly exposed to gun violence may experience .
Chukwuocha negative psychological effects of anger, post-traumatic stress, withdrawal and
Walsh desensitization to violence; and
M. Brown
WHEREAS, it has become obvious that the negative psychological effects are
plaguing the City of Wilmington through a continued cycle of violence; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that national attention be given to the violence that

plagues the lives of especially young African American males;

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a charge to protect
America from health and safety threats in order to increase the health security of our
nation, and now is such a time for Wilmington.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF WILMINGTON, that the City Council respectfully requests that the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention examine and respond to the current surge in gun
violence and help mitigate the effects it has on our children and youth throughout the
City of Wilmington.

Approved as to form this yt1A Passed by City Council,

day of December, 2013. December 5, 2013

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