Hoboken Mayor Jabbour's First Act: Joining Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Press release from the City of Hoboken:

HOBOKEN, NJ — Mayor Emily B. Jabbour announced during her inaugural remarks that her first official act as mayor of Hoboken was signing the city onto Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a national, bipartisan coalition focused on reducing gun violence and advancing evidence‑based public safety strategies.

Mayor Jabbour’s involvement in gun violence prevention predates her time in elected office. She previously helped establish the Hudson County chapter of Moms Demand Action, gaining early experience in community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and public service.

“Joining Mayors Against Illegal Guns as my first act in office reflects the values that brought me into public service,” said Mayor Jabbour. “As a mom, I know what it means to want your children, and every child in our community, to grow up feeling safe. That belief has guided my work from the very beginning. It taught me that public service is not about titles or ceremonies; it’s about showing up, doing the work, and refusing to accept that illegal guns are an unavoidable part of our world.”

“It comes as no surprise that Mayor Jabbour’s first act in office was to join Mayors Against Illegal Guns,” said Angela‑Ferrell Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “Jabbour helped build the Moms Demand Action movement in her community, she’s been a fearless gun sense champion on Hoboken City Council, and now she’s leading as mayor the same way she always has—by taking action to keep her community safe.”

The inaugural announcement came on the same day Hoboken Police Officers arrested a Newark man near Fifth and Court Streets who was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The individual was taken into custody without incident and faces multiple charges, including certain persons not to have weapons.

“I’m grateful for the swift and professional response of the Hoboken Police Department,” said Mayor Jabbour. “Incidents like this underscore why partnerships such as Mayors Against Illegal Guns are so important as we work together to keep illegal firearms out of our communities and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who are not legally allowed to possess them.”

Mayors Against Illegal Guns, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, brings together mayors from across the political spectrum to share best practices, support law enforcement, and advance policies aimed at reducing gun trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Hoboken’s participation in the coalition will support ongoing collaboration with local, state, and federal partners on public safety initiatives.

This press release was produced by the City of Hoboken. The views expressed here are the author’s own.