Nearly three out of every four gun deaths in Marin County are suicides, and the District Attorney's Office in San Rafael is spending more than $800,000 in federal money to change that.

The Marin County DA's Office announced on July 14 a new initiative funded by an $829,737 grant from the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, which the office received last fall. The effort focuses on educating residents about gun violence restraining orders, known as red flag laws, and promoting secure firearm storage.

County data show that 73 percent of Marin's gun-related deaths from 2020 through 2024 were firearm suicides. Men over age 60 accounted for a disproportionate share of those deaths.

"Fostering lethal means safety, such as secure firearm storage and GVROs, provides individuals with time and space to navigate a crisis and can save lives," District Attorney Lori Frugoli said in the July 14 announcement. "The initiative seeks to increase community awareness of GVROs as one of several preventative measures available to reduce firearm suicides in Marin County."

What is a GVRO?

A gun violence restraining order is a civil court order that temporarily prevents someone deemed at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms. County officials said the orders remain underutilized despite research showing they can help prevent firearm suicides.

The initiative is a collaboration between the DA's Office, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, and the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative.

Digital campaign targets those closest to at-risk residents

A digital media campaign launched alongside the July 14 announcement. It targets family members, friends, co-workers, and caregivers who may be in the best position to recognize warning signs and consider seeking a GVRO.

The grant will also fund outreach and training sessions over the coming year to raise awareness about firearm safety and suicide prevention.

Frugoli said the initiative aims to show every community member they can take meaningful action to prevent a firearm tragedy. She called it "actionable information and a message of hope."

Resources

Residents can learn more about GVROs and other firearm safety measures at maringunsafetycollaborative.org.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.