New federal office aims to curb gun violence, including in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The first federal office for gun violence prevention is officially open.

This comes as the country recently surpassed 500 mass shootings and 25,000 people have died because of guns so far this year. That turns out to roughly 118 deaths per day, according to the Gun Violence Archive. 

According to the White House, the federal office for gun violence prevention will help coordinate efforts with local law enforcement and provide aid to any states experiencing a high rate of gun violence.

Here in Nebraska, 183 people have a gun-related death every year on average, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. 

The non-profit says just shy of 400 people are also wounded by guns in the state. Nebraska has the 30th-highest rate of gun violence in the U.S., according to Everytown. 

Meanwhile, anyone can now carry a concealed weapon without a permit in Nebraska.  That law went into effect on Sept. 2. 

The Lincoln Police Department reports it’s seen a drop in weapon offenses over the last 30 days. Between Aug. 19 and Sept. 17, LPD reports there were 29 weapon offenses. That’s down from 36 the previous 30 days.