New Alameda County report finds racial, economic disparities in gun deaths

A new report indicates that three residents in Alameda County die from gun violence weekly, with Black individuals facing a homicide rate 33 times that of white residents. Authored by the Alameda County Public Health Department, the report frames gun violence as a public health issue, emphasizing the need for community support and resource access. Kristen Clopton, the violence prevention manager, notes that addressing poverty is crucial for reducing gun violence. Despite the alarming statistics, the report highlights a 16% drop in gun violence across the county in 2024. It calls for a shift in funding from incarceration to preventative measures that tackle root causes of violence.

George Galvis from Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice supports this strategy, advocating for investments in community resources. The report details that most gun violence occurs in low-income neighborhoods in Oakland. Clopton and Galvis stress the importance of comprehensive interventions in creating safer communities.