Press Releases

Baltimore, Md. (May 16, 2023) - “Since the passage by the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) of House Bill 824, 26 people have been killed in Baltimore City. The Governor’s signature on this bill is evidence that the surge in gun violence across our state is one of the most pressing issues for Maryland leadership.

“I am grateful to Governor Wes Moore for understanding the importance of this bill and ensuring we use every resource and option available to ensure the safety of our fellow Marylanders. I also want to thank again the members of the MGA, especially the leadership, including Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Adrienne Jones, as well as Chairman Luke Clippinger, for recognizing the importance of bringing uniformity to this law by ensuring that everyone over eighteen is held accountable for the illegal possession of a firearm.

“This is a small but essential first step in the overall fight for prosecutors in every jurisdiction to more effectively hold offenders accountable by addressing gun violence, even before a trigger is ever pulled.

“My administration will continue the work of fighting for the residents of this great city by combatting gun violence in the courtroom through partnerships with our counterparts at the Baltimore Police Department, as well as state and federal agencies.” - Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney