01/06/2026
Community Message from Police Chief Saskia Lagergren on Gun Violence Awareness Month
“June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the Los Altos Police Department stands with community members across the nation who have been affected by firearm-related violence. We recognize the grave loss of those who have been impacted, and we understand that the Los Altos community carries this weight alongside them. Our police team holds this awareness within our own commitment to public safety: to protect and work alongside you to prevent future tragedies.
As your Chief, I believe prevention goes beyond enforcement. Addressing gun violence requires community education and early intervention. Mass violence accounts for 1% of all gun violence in America, while 60% of gun deaths are attributed to su***de. In 75% of youth firearm su***des, the gun was stored loaded and unlocked.
Law-abiding gun owners have a responsibility to secure their fi****ms, out of reach of those who should not have access. Appropriate management of these weapons is a critical piece of gun safety, and adding time and space between an individual in crisis and a gun reduces the risk of su***de. That is why this month, we are working to promote safe-storage practices and voluntary opportunities to return unwanted fi****ms.
Throughout June, our team will be reaching out to the community with information on firearm safety as part of Gun Violence Awareness Month. Los Altos officers will be present at community events to answer questions and promote safe firearm storage. You may also see orange ribbons displayed on our police vehicles as a symbol of solidarity and awareness with the campaign for National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Underlying all of this, our team has and will continue year-round prevention efforts. Our strong community partnerships and public outreach efforts ensure that we reduce risk and uplift public safety. For more details, our ongoing efforts for firearm safety are available to the public at losaltosca.gov/GunSafety.
I am proud to stand with you as your Police Chief to bring awareness on this important issue that impacts not only our city, but across the country. I encourage every resident to be part of the solution by practicing safe, secure storage of fi****ms and by connecting those in crisis with support. Preventing gun violence is not the work of one agency alone. It is a community responsibility, and our team will continue to provide steadfast protection and support through it all.”
