Three Families Shed Light on Gun Violence in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico – In a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico joined forces with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to host the inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit. The event, held to raise awareness during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 21-27, 2024), featured an exhibit of 118 photographs of people who have lost their lives to gun violence.

The poignant display, held at the ATF headquarters’ atrium, was accompanied by a kiosk containing the biographies and photographs of the victims. Among them were three families from Puerto Rico who shared the heartbreaking stories of their loved ones: Lieutenant Oswaldo Albarati, Mr. David M. Méndez Calderón, and Stefano Steenbackers Betancourt.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, gun violence continues to plague communities across the nation, with nearly 20 million instances of victimization reported in 2022. Of these, over 6.6 million were crimes of violence, including rape, robbery, and assault. Alarmingly, only 42% of these violent crimes were reported to the police.

The National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme, “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors,” emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for victims and their families. By promoting awareness and education, the event aims to empower individuals to seek help and provide assistance to those affected by crime.

U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow underscored the gravity of the issue, stating, “Gun violence continues to devastate families and communities across our nation. It’s the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. The Department of Justice has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe, and that means targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime – namely gun violence.”

The ATF’s inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of gun violence. As the nation grapples with this complex issue, it is essential to acknowledge the bravery of families like those who shared their stories and to recommit to providing support and resources to those affected by crime.