COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Despite certain webpages related to gun violence no longer existing on the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) website, city leaders in Columbus said their approach to combatting gun violence is not changing.   

It’s been about three years since gun violence was declared a public health crisis in Columbus.  

“What we are doing through the public health lens in public safety is to really look at all of those underlying social determinants of health that might predispose someone or that might affect someone into going into criminal activity,” Columbus Office of Violence Prevention Director Rena Shak said. 

Last summer, the former surgeon general declared gun violence a national public health crisis. That announcement came with a 40-page report on the issue and called for a ban on assault weapons. It was criticized at the time by the National Rifle Association (NRA). Now, when one tries to find that report or a web page about firearm violence in America on the HHS website, a “Page Not Found” screen appears. 

“I’d like to tell you I’m surprised but I’m not,” Shak said. “I think this was an expected step especially given the fact the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention was dismantled not too long ago.” 

NBC4 reached out to HHS.   

“HHS and the Office of the Surgeon General are complying with President Trump’s Executive Order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights,” HHS wrote in a statement.  

Shak said what’s happened will not affect Columbus’ work. 

“Regardless of whether the surgeon general was forced to take down the gun violence declaration as a public health crisis, that doesn’t change our dedication to doing the work here,” she said. “The public health crisis of gun violence still is in effect here in the city of Columbus and the mayor and Office of Violence Prevention, we are dedicated to doing everything we can through that lens.” 

Mayor Andrew Ginther’s office also shared the following statement: 

“Our gun problem isn’t going away. Of the 12 homicides that have occurred this year, 11 involved the use of a firearm. We will treat gun violence as a public health crisis as long as this issue continues to impact our community.”