Fayetteville Police Department Observes Gun Violence Awareness Month
Published on June 02, 2025
Fayetteville Police Department Observes Gun Violence Awareness Month
Campaign highlights community voices, firearm safety, and prevention resources
(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) – June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) is launching a citywide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of gun safety, proper firearm storage, and the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities.
In 2022, North Carolina recorded 1,782 firearm-related deaths, a 48% increase over the last decade, with over 100 children among the victims. More than one in four adults in North Carolina with firearms at home store them loaded and unlocked, putting loved ones at risk.
“Gun violence is not just a statistic. It’s a personal and community crisis,” said Njeri Fikes, Fayetteville Police Department Community Engagement Coordinator. “By sharing local voices and providing tools for safe storage, we’re working together to prevent the next tragedy.”
Throughout June, FPD will share testimonial videos from local students and impacted families, including Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, whose daughter, Coryonna Young, was tragically killed in an accidental shooting. The campaign will also highlight educational content on secure firearm storage and the importance of early intervention.
Upcoming Event
To promote safe storage, FPD will host a Free Family Movie Night on June 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Westover Recreation Center.
Attendees will receive free gun locks, courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and have the opportunity to speak with officers about firearm safety and prevention resources.
Learn More
For key firearm safety facts, data, and prevention resources, view the NC Firearm Injury Data Overview here:
�� Firearm Talking Points One-Pager (PDF)
Join us throughout June as we stand together to #EndGunViolence, #WearOrange, and make Fayetteville a safer place for everyone.