(AURN News) — In response to what it calls a gun violence epidemic sweeping the nation, the White House has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle the growing crisis. The initiative, announced by the Department of Justice at the end of September, involves allocating over $4.4 billion in grants from the Office of Justice Programs to address the surge in violence across the country. The objective is to engage state and local community-based efforts not only in mitigating violence but also in providing essential treatment and services for those who are deemed “at risk.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed concern over the recent spike in violent incidents across the nation during a press briefing this week.
“At Morgan State University in Baltimore, where a joyful Homecoming Week was interrupted by violence. In Holyoke, there were several people were shot at, including a pregnant woman who tragically lost the child she was carrying hours later in the hospital,” she said.
“And in Philadelphia, where three police officers were shot while doing their jobs last night. Americans should be able to go to their schools, places of worship, jobs, and out in their community without the fear of gun violence,” Jean-Pierre added.
The Department of Justice outlined the allocation of funds to target various aspects of the nationwide violence crisis. Here’s a partial breakdown: a significant portion, amounting to $1 billion, will be directed towards addressing gun violence and fostering trust within the criminal justice system. Additionally, justice system reform will see an allocation of $437 million in grants. For the juvenile justice system, the focus will be on enhancing fairness through “culturally responsive interventions,” with $192 million set to focus on this area.
The White House says the overall goal is to work collaboratively with state and local entities to create safer communities, reduce gun violence, and provide support for those in need.
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