Sen. Mary Boren urges Oklahomans to help draw attention to gun violence and prevention during national Wear Orange Weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s overall gun death rate increased by 27 percent from 2014 to 2023. Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, is urging Oklahomans to participate in Wear Orange Weekend on June 5 and 6, honoring people across the country affected by gun violence and advocating for change.

“The aftermath of gun violence costs Oklahoma taxpayers billions every year, and the human toll is immeasurable,” Boren said. “Ultimately, it impacts all of us. I’d love to see people get involved in this national event to help draw attention to how Oklahomans are affected by gun violence and to promote common-sense solutions.”

According to 2023 data, there were 814 gun deaths in the state, including 221 homicides and 573 suicides, resulting in Oklahoma having the fifth highest gun suicide rate in the entire country. Firearms were the leading cause of death among young people ages one to 17 in 2023. Sixty-four percent of female intimate partner homicide victims in Oklahoma are killed with a gun.

Boren said to support this annual national event, Oklahomans can wear orange during the first weekend in June to honor the nearly 130 people who are shot and killed every day in the United States, those who are injured by gun violence, and the family and friends of victims whose lives have also been changed.

“People can use their social media accounts to promote Wear Orange Weekend for June 5 and 6, and advocate for the need for greater gun safety,” Boren said. “I encourage folks to post pictures of themselves wearing orange and use the hashtag #WearOrange. This is about protecting our families, friends and neighbors.”

To find out more about related events in Oklahoma, go to: Events | Moms Demand Action.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov