During the Juneteenth weekend in Chicago, 39 people were shot, with at least eight fatalities reported, underscoring ongoing challenges related to gun violence in the city’s neighborhoods. In response, Mayor Brandon Johnson recently signed an executive order establishing the Office of Gun Violence Reduction. The new office is intended to coordinate efforts to curb firearm-related violence, but experts stress that its effectiveness will depend on more than administrative restructuring.

Aaron Mallory, CEO of GRO Community, emphasizes that understanding why many law-abiding residents choose to carry firearms illegally is critical to addressing the problem. Over the past two years, Mallory interviewed 29 African American men in Chicago who were arrested for unlawful gun possession and later participated in a prosecutor-led gun diversion program. These individuals, working in fields such as information technology, postal services, entrepreneurship, and security, were not habitual offenders but rather people striving for stable lives while supporting their families.

Despite their efforts to maintain lawful employment, these men reported pervasive feelings of insecurity. Many had been directly affected by gun violence or had witnessed harm to friends and family members. Additionally, delayed police response times contributed to a perception that personal protection was their sole responsibility, prompting them to carry firearms out of fear. While illegal possession remains a violation of the law, Mallory argues that tackling this fear-driven behavior requires addressing the underlying causes rather than solely relying on arrests.

Another key insight from Mallory’s research concerns widespread confusion over Illinois firearm regulations. Several interviewees mistakenly believed that possession of a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card permitted them to carry concealed weapons, while others were either in the process of securing a concealed carry license or found associated costs prohibitive. These misunderstandings have led to felony convictions that can severely impact individuals’ future employment, housing prospects, and livelihoods.

Mallory advocates for a comprehensive approach to gun violence reduction that includes legal education and rebuilding trust between communities and law enforcement. He highlights that restoring confidence in the criminal justice system’s ability to solve violent crimes is crucial to reducing the fear that drives illegal firearm possession. The success of Chicago’s Office of Gun Violence Reduction will depend on how well it integrates these elements to create safer communities based on justice and trust, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.