Hochul Announces Progress In Fight Against Gun Violence, Codifies State Office Of Gun Violence Prevention

LONG ISLAND, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced continued progress in the fight against gun violence — with newly released data showing that New York State’s comprehensive prevention strategies are working, she said.

From January through May 2025, shooting incidents involving injury declined by 17 percent compared to the same period last year, and the number of individuals shot dropped by 26 percent throughout the major metropolitan areas outside of New York City, also known as the 21 Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative counties, Hochul said.

In New York City, shooting incidents and the number of individuals shot are both down 21 percent compared to the same period last year, and gun involved homicides are at the lowest on record, she said.

Preliminary statewide data shows additional decreases in shooting incidents through the first three weeks of June 2025. The results reflect the sustained impact of the state’s data-driven, community-based approach to public safety, Hochul said.

At the same time, Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention was now permanently codified in state law through the FY26 Enacted Budget. Originally established by executive order in 2021, the office is housed within the Division of Criminal Justice Services and leads the state’s efforts to coordinate violence reduction strategies among state and local agencies, analyze data and support community organizations that serve individuals affected by gun violence.

New York is the first state to enshrine into law an office dedicated to gun violence prevention since the closure by the Trump Administration of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in January, Hochul said.

"My top priority is public safety, and here in New York, we’re laser focused on cracking down on gun violence to make our streets and communities safer," Hochul said. "By codifying the State’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, we’re increasing the impact of our efforts to mitigate gun crimes in New York and working directly with the communities most affected by gun violence to fundamentally change the way we address and combat this public health crisis across our state."

The milestone, Hochul said, "comes as federal support for gun violence prevention efforts has been disrupted and dismantled. The closure of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and recent cuts to community-based violence intervention grants from the U.S. Department of Justice have placed added strain on local organizations. New York State’s continued investment through OGVP helps ensure these critical efforts remain strong and effective."

Hochul has been focused on driving down gun violence across the state since taking office. This includes investing $347 million in gun violence prevention measures, strengthening nation-leading gun safety laws, supporting communities and law enforcement and keeping guns away from those who could do harm, she said.

From January 2021 through May 2025, New York State Police have seized 4,902 guns and secured extreme risk protection orders to moe than 5,500 individuals who were found to be a danger to themselves or others, removing any firearms they possessed and preventing them from making purchases.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said: "All New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, schools, and on our streets. The New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention will help us continue to do the work we have been doing each and every day to get guns off our streets, stop gun-related crimes, and protect New Yorkers’ public safety."

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado added: "Governor Hochul has made gun violence prevention a top priority, and the results speak for themselves. Thanks to her investments, we’re seeing meaningful and measurable progress. But we know the work isn’t done. By codifying the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Governor Hochul is ensuring that New York’s strategies are not only sustained but expanded and strengthened to protect communities for years to come."

In February, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost (D reintroduced the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act, legislation to establish a permanent office focused on gun violence prevention at the U.S. Department of Justice.

"The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention played a huge role in implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, helping drive down the number of gun deaths by 12 percent last year. It was wildly successful, so of course President Trump shut it down. This legislation would make the Office permanent at the Department of Justice to help state, local, and federal agencies work together to enforce gun safety laws and fund local gun violence prevention programs," said Murphy.