Jackson County legislator aims to prevent gun violence with new office

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Legislator Manuel Abarca IV announced a new initiative Wednesday morning that aims to prevent gun violence and address increasing gun-related crime in Kansas City.

According to a news release, Jackson County, Missouri is ranked fifth nationally for the highest number of death by firearms. As a result, Abarca hopes to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention to systematically and proactively combat gun violence in communities across the county.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer. The safety of our constituents and the entire community is at stake,” Abarca said.

The office would pair up with law enforcement, public health officials, educators and community organizations to research prevention efforts that effectively target the causes of gun violence and support those who have been impacted in the community.

“Establishing this office is a crucial step towards reducing gun violence in Jackson County, saving more lives, and adding long-term solutions to achieve our goals of public safety,” Abarca said. “We must challenge the status quo and confront the contradictions in our approach to gun control.”

The Jackson County Legislator meets on Mondays at 3 p.m. at the Jackson County Courthouse. This is where Abarca’s new initiative will be considered.

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