Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently delivered remarks at the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Grantee Conference, where he highlighted the importance of addressing violent crime in communities across the country.
During his speech, Garland expressed gratitude to the attendees and specifically thanked Eddie, the Director of READI Chicago, a gun violence prevention initiative. He recalled his visit to Chicago three years ago, where he met with law enforcement and community partners, including those involved in READI Chicago.
Garland shared positive statistics on the decrease in overall violent crime, noting a significant 13% decline in homicides nationwide, the largest drop in 50 years. He emphasized that these statistics represent real individuals who are benefitting from the efforts to reduce violent crime.
In a significant announcement, Garland revealed a $78 million investment by the Department in community violence intervention programs and research nationwide. This funding aims to support organizations like READI Chicago, which has shown promising results in reducing violence and arrests among participants.
The Attorney General reiterated the Department's commitment to tackling violent crime through partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community organizations. He also highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals in every neighborhood.
Garland's address concluded with a message of appreciation for the dedicated individuals and organizations working to make communities safer. He expressed optimism for the outcomes of the conference and reiterated the Department's unwavering commitment to addressing violent crime effectively.