With the rising rates in gun violence incidents in Prince William County, Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin released the following statement earlier today:

“Gun violence continues to shatter lives and communities across our nation including right here in Woodbridge. The time between tragedies gets shorter and shorter. However, we cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the horror and tragedy of these events.  Nor can we ignore the pain and suffering of gun violence victims and their families.

The North Woodbridge area is currently undergoing major revitalization efforts. But while this has been a positive change, we have also seen significant challenges. That is why on today, I am urging our public safety officials to utilize the full weight of its authority to bring sanctions against any entity enabling the tide of violent criminal activities occurring on their premise, particularly if there have been numerous violent crimes occurring on the same premise. I will continue to work in guaranteeing that there are significant resources needed to address violent crimes, but this will take much needed cooperation. I have spoken to county officials as well as our police about the need for more resources and I expect to see those resources in full effect moving forward.”

Supervisor Franklin has also done the following:

·      Issued a directive on October 11 for staff to determine the availability of federal funding for gun violence prevention programs and services. Specifically, this directed the study and review of the Bipartisan Safer Community Act for sources of “funding for programs, services, or equipment that Prince William County can use to make our schools and communities safer.”

·      Urged the Acting County Executive to work alongside the police department and the Deputy County Executive for Public Safety to develop a public safety plan to address gun violence among other issues throughout our county.

·      Hosted a town hall on Gun Violence Prevention, on June 22 and a town hall on Public Safety on August 16.

·      Hosted joint meetings with several apartment management companies and the police department on ways that better security measures can enhance and improve the quality of life of Woodbridge residents.