Federal funding cut from OKC nonprofit stopping gun violence

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Federal cuts are impacting an Oklahoma City nonprofit that's focused on reducing gun violence.

LiveFree OKC found out earlier this week that the U.S. Department of Justice was stripping them of a $2 million federal grant.

"Really left us in the lurch here," said Jess Eddy, CEO, LiveFree OKC.

LiveFree OKC and Diversion Hub were expecting those dollars to come over three years to expand their work.

"Expanding community violence intervention services in ward seven here in the northeast side. A significant amount of funding for payroll really is what we were using it to fund staff. We just hired new staff, just got them trained, so it's a big hit," said Eddy.

According to the DOJ, the grants were cancelled because they no longer align with the Trump Administration's priorities.

A spokesperson for the DOJ said, "This Department of Justice is focused on prosecuting criminals, getting illegal drugs off of the streets, and protecting American institutions from toxic DEI and sanctuary city policies."

"We're focused on stopping gun violence and I don't even know how those terms apply to this work. We're a public health organization and we're trying to help people heal from violence, trying to help people make good decisions, mentoring kids and all those things," said Eddy.

Without those federal dollars coming in, Eddy believes it could lead to more gun violence.

"It means people in graves, it means mothers without children, it means people in prison for the rest of their lives," said Eddy.

While the future is uncertain, Eddy says they're not giving up.

"We are not considering laying off staff at this time," said Eddy.

He's hopeful that city and state leaders, along with the community will step up and help where the federal government is not.

To learn more or get involved with LiveFree OKC, click here.