New York State kicked off Gun Violence Awareness Month Friday night.  Governor Cuomo kicked this off by lighting One World Trade Center in Manhattan and the main gate the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse in orange.

The Governor said, "Gun Violence Awareness Month is significant in our efforts to call out leaders in Washington who refuse to explore common sense reforms, build awareness of gun safety, and demand change that is needed before more lives are lost."

This kicks off a national campaign to draw attention to gun violence.  There will be rallies, marches and community events throughout the month to build awareness and encourage prevention.  National Gun Violence day is on June 1 and was started in 2013.  Events are using the #WearOrange hashtag.

Governor Cuomo also toted the number of legislation he’s enacted to combat gun violence and protect New Yorkers.  There was no listing of other rallies or events planned through the state during the month of June.

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