Erie County Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis
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According to a report by WKBW-TV, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz issued an executive order specifically designating gun violence as a major threat to the health of the general public. Poloncarz was joined by April Baskin, Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature, along with various members of the Legislature, staff from the Erie County District Attorney's office, and many other county officials in a press conference earlier today.
Officials from Erie County have released data that show gun-related homicides have increased every year since 2017. In fact, the firearms-related violent crime rate in Erie County is more than double the New York State average and is also significantly higher than the rate in New York City.