Hochul codifies New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced continued progress in the fight against gun violence, with newly released data showing that New York state’s comprehensive prevention strategies are working. From January through May 2025, shooting incidents involving injury declined by 17% compared to the same period last year, and the number of individuals shot dropped by 26% throughout the major metropolitan areas outside of New York City, also known as the 21 Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative counties. In New York City, shooting incidents and the number of individuals shot are both down 21% compared to the same period last year, and gun involved homicides are at the lowest on record. Preliminary statewide data shows additional decreases in shooting incidents through the first three weeks of June. These results reflect the sustained impact of the state’s data-driven, community-based approach to public safety.

“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.”

At the same time, Hochul announced the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) is 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.

Since taking office, Hochul has been focused on driving down gun violence across the state, enacting policies and prioritizing legislation that make New Yorkers and their communities safer. 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. From January 2021 through May 2025, New York State Police have seized 4,902 guns and secured extreme risk protection orders to over 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. I commend Gov. Hochul, Sen. Myrie and Assembly member Chandler-Waterman for their efforts to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention into law and work to help keep all New Yorkers safe.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Gov. 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, Gov. Hochul is ensuring that New York’s strategies are not only sustained, but expanded and strengthened to protect communities for years to come.”

New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention Director Calliana Thomas said, “Our work is rooted in building trust, delivering resources, and preventing tragedy through a comprehensive public health approach that addresses the root causes of violence. We’re proud to stand with local partners, from Buffalo to New York City, who show up every day for young people, support survivors, and help create safer and healthier neighborhoods. As federal support grows uncertain, New York is stepping up, and we call on others to join us in sustaining this life-saving work.”

New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Communities across New York state are experiencing record-low incidents of gun violence, but some communities still experience more gun violence than others. And we know that even one victim is one too many. All survivors, their families and communities need continued support, increased access to services, and expanded programs that focus on both prevention and intervention. OVS is proud to support the work of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and remains committed to ensuring that all survivors have the resources they need to recover and thrive. We thank Gov. Hochul for prioritizing public safety and for her unwavering support to continue reducing gun violence in all our communities.” 

District Attorneys Association of the State of New York President and Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “New York state's prosecutors appreciate Gov. Hochul's commitment to curbing gun violence in our state. My own county, Rensselaer, is one of the 21 counties that are part of the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative that focuses on the reduction of firearm-related homicides and shootings in communities outside of New York City. The support from this program and others led by the Division of Criminal Justice Services has been successful in reducing gun violence and in enhancing gun-involved crime reduction strategies. Along with my fellow district attorneys and our larger law enforcement community, I look forward to continued partnerships with our state related to tackling gun crimes and supporting victims of those crimes.”

Newly released data comes from the 28 police departments outside of New York City participating in the state’s GIVE initiative. Cities including Albany, Buffalo and Rochester all reported double-digit reductions in both shooting incidents involving injury and the number of individuals shot. In May, four individuals were killed by gun violence across these jurisdictions, down from 13 in May 2024.

To build on this progress, OGVP will launch a statewide safe storage public awareness campaign and make $5 million available for community-based organizations to provide safe spaces for youth mentorship, mental health services, and recreational programming in the coming months. The awareness campaign will promote responsible gun ownership and distribute free gun locks to help prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths, especially among children and teens.