New CalDOJ Report Shows Historic Drop in Gun Deaths; Urges Action on Emerging Threats

While California Achieves Record Progress in Reducing Gun Violence, Officials Emphasize the Critical Need for Continued Community Investment and Further Effort to Combat Gun Trafficking and 3D-Printed Firearms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Following the release of the California Office of Gun Violence Prevention's "Strategic Plan to Sustain California's Record Progress Against Gun Violence (Part 1)" report, Everytown for Gun Safety and the California chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action issued the following statement highlighting the report's findings. The report makes it clear: sustaining California's historic progress requires continued investment in community violence intervention and decisive action against emerging threats like ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms. The report confirms California has achieved its lowest rate of gun deaths on record, which was driven in large part by strategic investments in programs like CalVIP and policies to address the proliferation of untraceable ghost guns.

In publishing this report, the California Office of Gun Violence Prevention has provided extensive new data and analysis of gun violence trends around the state and then rooted future policy recommendations in that data. The report serves as a model for other states seeking to maximize policy and funding impact to address unique drivers of gun violence.

While celebrating this historic progress, the report also warns that these gains are at risk without sustained funding for effective programs, and continued action to implement existing laws and address emerging threats like 3D-printed firearms.

The California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) program has played a central role in reducing shootings and homicides across the state by supporting community-based organizations that intervene directly with those at highest risk. These investments have driven historic declines in gun violence in cities across California, including record-low homicide rates in communities like Richmond, Oakland, and San Francisco.

However, despite this success, demand for CalVIP funding far exceeds available resources, and reduced federal and state funding threatens the sustainability of these life-saving programs. A broad coalition of advocates are calling on state leaders to include at least $55 million in supplemental funding in this year's budget to ensure these programs can continue their impact.

"Community violence intervention programs like CalVIP are saving lives every day in neighborhoods across California-but they only work if they're fully funded," said Olaina Anderson, a volunteer with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Lawmakers have a clear choice: continue investing in the programs that are making our communities safer or risk losing the progress we've fought so hard to achieve."

At the same time, the report highlights the need to curb gun trafficking and manufacturing of ghost guns-particularly 3D-printed firearms-which allow individuals to bypass background checks and undermine California's strong gun safety laws. As technology advances and access to digital gun blueprints expands, policymakers must act to stop these weapons at the source.

"The rise of ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms is a direct threat to everything California has done to keep people safe," said Sophia Adkins, a leader with UCLA Students Demand Action. "We can't allow new technology to undo decades of progress. It's on our leaders to act now by stopping these dangerous weapons before they reach our communities."

Building on California's leadership in addressing ghost guns, advocates are urging lawmakers to advance AB 2047, legislation that would require 3D printers sold in the state to include technology that blocks the printing of firearms and illegal gun parts-an upstream solution designed to prevent the proliferation of DIY firearms before they can be used to harm others.

The report makes clear that California's progress is not accidental-it is the direct result of intentional policy choices and investments. Advocates say the path forward is equally clear: sustain funding for proven programs like CalVIP and continue leading the nation in confronting emerging threats like 3D-printed ghost guns."This report shows what's possible when a state commits to reducing gun violence and provides a clear roadmap for sustaining that progress," said Krystal LoPilato, Director of Policy Advocacy at Everytown for Gun Safety. "California's nation leading, historic gains are the result of unwavering leadership, strong laws, and targeted investments in CalVIP grants and firearm relinquishment programs, alongside efforts to combat gun trafficking and address evolving threats like 3D-printed ghost guns. The next step is clear: continue and strengthen these investments to meet emerging challenges and keep saving lives."