White House Holds Roundtable to Address Gun Violence with AAPI Victory Alliance and AAPI Against Gun Violence Coalition

WASHINGTON —  Yesterday, on the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and on the day the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health emergency, AAPI Victory Alliance, in partnership with the AAPI Against Gun Violence Coalition, joined a roundtable with White House officials to address the rising concerns of gun violence affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 

Biden-Harris Administration officials hosted gun violence survivors, AAPI community leaders, and allies; the discussion focused on the unique effects of gun violence on the AAPI community. AAPI Victory Alliance was able to share about needs in the AAPI community, and the work it has been doing to educate community members about gun violence since 2020.

Ahead of the meeting, AAPI Victory Alliance released a new fact sheet on gun violence in the AAPI community that indicates gun violence is as a top concern. This has only been exacerbated by the 43% increase in Asian American gun ownership as the NRA and the gun industry exploited fears of anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement: 

"Yesterday’s meeting marked a decisive move towards addressing the pervasive gun violence affecting not only the AAPI community, but our entire nation. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to engage with White House officials, gun violence survivors, and community leaders so that we can move towards concrete, robust, and culturally-competent measures to eradicate gun violence. Our focus is on developing policies that account for the unique socioeconomic and cultural factors impacting the AAPI community.  

"I commend U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy for his unwavering leadership and his declaration that gun violence is a public health crisis. This recognition is crucial for millions of Americans who live in constant fear of gun violence.

"We are committed to ongoing collaboration with federal, state, and local officials, as well as community leaders and allies, to ensure a safer and more equitable future for all. Together, we will forge a path to secure our schools and communities, making them safe havens for everyone."

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 AAPI Victory Alliance empowers Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and building political power. By harnessing the collective power of the AAPI electorate, the Alliance seeks to advance policies that address the unique needs and challenges of our diverse community.