Missoula proclaims Gun Violence Awareness Day; local advocates push secure‑storage message

The Missoula City Council on June 1 read a proclamation declaring June 6, 2026 National Gun Violence Awareness Day and invited residents to join local Wear Orange activities. The proclamation cited national and Montana statistics about firearm deaths and suicide and highlighted local prevention efforts such as free gun locks and suicide‑prevention training.

Roxan Wel, who identified herself as a member of Ward 4 and a volunteer with Mom’s Demand Action for Gunsense, urged residents to take simple safety steps and to attend a Wear Orange event at Bear Tracks Bridge on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. “Best practice is to keep all guns unloaded, locked up, and separate from ammunition,” Wel said, stressing secure storage as a means to prevent access by people in crisis and curious children.

Wel also summarized local data presented in the proclamation, saying Montana has among the highest rates of firearm suicides and that, when homicides and assaults are included, the state ranks 18th in the nation for gun violence. She said the group distributes free gun locks at community events and meets with schools and families to promote safe storage.

Council members thanked Wel and community volunteers for organizing outreach and noted the symbolic and practical importance of the Wear Orange day of awareness. Mayor Davis closed the presentation by reiterating the city’s support for community prevention efforts. The proclamation was part of the council’s opening agenda and no formal vote was required.

The Wear Orange event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Bear Tracks Bridge; organizers encouraged anyone who can to wear orange to honor victims and promote safe storage.