Underscoring the seriousness of the message, representatives of Connecticut’s entire law enforcement community called in U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to announce the launch of a multi-jurisdictional program designed to dramatically reduce shooting deaths in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

Last week, Holder was flanked by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Gov. Dannel Malloy and a roomful of lawmakers, clergy and family members of shooting victims at a New Haven press conference.