SUSSEX COUNTY, DE - On Friday, June 6, Governor Matt Meyer traveled to Laurel and Seaford to meet with gun violence prevention advocates, local officials, law enforcement, and community members. Governor Meyer also joined Moms Demand Action for a rally and march in Rehoboth Beach to raise awareness about gun violence.

"There is a direct link between poverty and crime that cannot be ignored when we're talking about solving gun violence in our communities," said Governor Meyer. "Lasting change requires more than enforcement. It demands investment in the root causes like education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity. When people have access to these essentials, communities thrive and crime declines. And it all begins with awareness. Education turns silence into solutions-and brings us closer to a state where every child grows up safe."

Governor Matt Meyer talks with Operation West Laurel and local community members about gun violence in Laurel.

Governor Meyer started the day in Laurel, which has the highest crime rate of any Delaware city at 1,652 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Laurel is also the poorest city to live in Delaware, with 39.6% of residents living in poverty. The city has seen numerous incidents of juvenile gun violence in recent years. In 2024, the Laurel School District began using weapon detection systems at the middle and high school.

Governor Meyer heard from the community-based project Operation West Laurel (OWL). Co-founder and OWL Chair Amy Handy started the organization following the death of several teens in the Laurel community, some who were students in her 7th grade ELA class just a few years earlier.

"As a teacher, I've seen firsthand how economic hardships affect families and can fuel violence," said OWL Co-founder Amy Handy. "Our community has suffered the loss of too many young lives, especially in recent years. But OWL aims to break the cycle of poverty and crime. It's time to invest in our community's future by addressing these issues head-on. We thank Governor Meyer for his attention and leadership on gun violence."

Governor Matt Meyer talks with Nonviolent Seaford and local community members about gun violence in Seaford.

In Seaford, recent incidents have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Two young men lost their lives to gun violence earlier this spring, and Beth Kopicki, Founder of Nonviolent Seaford, says the community is still healing, but is also motivated.

"We've seen how systemic issues like poverty and racism contribute to a cycle of violence, and enough is enough," said Founder of Nonviolent Seaford Beth Kopicki. "At Nonviolent Seaford, we believe in empowering our community through education, art, and dialogue to foster understanding and peace. By addressing these underlying issues and promoting nonviolence, we aim to break the cycle and build a more compassionate and safe community for our children and neighbors."

Seaford has recently secured several major investments into revitalization and redevelopment at the Nylon Capital Shopping Center and a riverfront site near the Nanticoke River - projects that Governor Meyer says are also important pieces needed to solve the puzzle.

Governor Matt Meyer rallies for gun violence awareness at the Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach with the Delaware Beaches Chapter of Moms Demand Action.

In the afternoon, Governor Meyer joined Moms Demand Action at the bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue to rally for gun violence awareness.

The Delaware Beaches Chapter of MDA walked down the boardwalk to raise awareness and provide community members with information about how to prevent gun tragedies, coloring pages, beads, a memory board for survivors and free orange koozies saying "Crush Gun Violence".

Governor Meyer recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Delaware Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety. The Office will coordinate with state and local programs, promote collaboration, and support the development of common-sense gun policy and evidence-based violence intervention strategies. Governor Meyer's visits across Sussex County today are part of laying the groundwork for those efforts.

For additional questions or to schedule an interview with Governor Matt Meyer, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.

Click here to view the Facebook post with more photos from Laurel and Seaford meetings.

Click here for remarks from Governor Meyer at the Rehoboth Beach rally.