Gun Violence Prevention Showing Results | Chicago News

Lake County’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative, launched four years ago, is proving wildly effective—with shootings, homicides, and ER visits plummeting since its start. Led by Tierra Lemon, the program arms police, mental health workers, and schools with tools to spot and stop threats, often through temporary firearm restrictions. Just last month, it landed over $1.4 million in federal funding: $900K for education and new staff, $500K for operations like gun safes and overtime. Studies confirm firearm restraining orders work, helping in domestic, school, and suicide-related cases. The initiative also received $1.5M from Illinois DHS and $1M from Congress. State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart calls it a “laboratory of ideas,” and the data backs him up: gun violence dropped 70% countywide between 2022 and 2025. Active in cities like Zion, Waukegan, and North Chicago, the program employs “Peacemakers” to connect with high-risk residents—and as pandemic funding fades, Rinehart vows to keep these life-saving programs alive. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6af8b399416be467