Yesterday, March For Our Lives co-founder David Hogg hosted our State of Gun Violence briefing, a candid look at where gun violence prevention stands after a consequential year of wins and setbacks.
David focused on what actually shifted in 2025. With federal legislative action largely stalled, the center of gravity has moved to the states. That is where decisions are being made about access to firearms, industry accountability, community violence intervention, safe storage, and crisis response.
He outlined where progress is real. States are institutionalizing community violence intervention as permanent infrastructure, strengthening red flag and permit-to-purchase laws, closing domestic violence loopholes, regulating the most dangerous weapons and accessories, and advancing industry accountability measures. Many of these efforts are already reducing shootings and saving lives.
He also made clear that the landscape is contested. In other states, lawmakers are expanding industry immunity, blocking red flag enforcement, and entrenching gun lobby power. The “state of gun violence” in this country is uneven. Outcomes increasingly depend on geography, sustained organizing, and whether hard-won gains are protected.
We were honored to be joined by Greg Jackson, former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, who emphasized a critical point: policy only matters if it is implemented well and sustained over time. Durable progress requires infrastructure that can withstand political shifts and funding changes.
The data reflects both hope and urgency. Gun homicides have declined since their 2021 peak, demonstrating that targeted prevention works. At the same time, overall firearm deaths remain far too high, driven largely by rising gun suicides.
Progress is possible when we invest in what works. Holding and expanding that progress requires continued pressure, strong state leadership, and sustained organizing.
Thank you for standing with us and for believing that saving lives is worth sustained effort.
With hope,
March For Our Lives
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