Hochul: Shootings continue to decline through first quarter of 2026

Shooting incidents in communities across state participating in Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative down 65%, shooting victims declined 66%, individuals killed by gun violence down 74% compared to 2021

√ Buffalo gun violence reaches historic 20-year low with shooting incidents down 84% since Hochul took office

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced continued progress in reducing gun violence across communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, with new data showing significant declines in shootings and gun deaths through the first three months of 2026. Through March, the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative collectively reported 81 shooting incidents involving injury, down 65% compared to 229 during the same period in 2021. The number of individuals shot declined 66%, from 262 to 88, while the number of individuals killed by gun violence dropped 74%, from 28 to 11.

During the first quarter of this year, these three metrics reported by the Buffalo Police Department reached historic, 20-year lows, with shooting incidents with injury down 57% compared to the same period in 2025. At the same time, five police departments – in Utica, Troy, Newburgh, Mount Vernon and Hempstead – reported zero shooting incidents in the first three months of 2026.

“Public safety is my top priority, and these latest numbers show that our investments in law enforcement, community-based prevention programs and proven anti-gun violence strategies are continuing to save lives,” Hochul said. “Communities across New York are seeing fewer shootings, fewer victims and fewer families devastated by gun violence. In Buffalo and across our GIVE communities, we are building on that progress and making our neighborhoods safer for all.”

The governor made the announcement in Buffalo, where new data showed historic reductions in gun violence – the lowest levels since New York began tracking this data in 2006. Through March, the Buffalo Police Department reported 10 shooting incidents involving injury, down 84% compared to 63 during the same period in 2021. The number of shooting victims declined 85%, from 72 to 11, while the number of individuals killed by gun violence fell from 16 to 1.

Buffalo also experienced reductions in overall crime during the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Index crime declined 6%, violent crime dropped 18%, and property crime fell 3%. These reductions build upon a significant decrease reported by the Buffalo Police Department in 2025 vs. 2024: a 12% reduction in index crime, 6% drop in violent crime, and 14% decrease in property crime.

Since taking office, Hochul has committed more than $3 billion to public safety initiatives that are producing results statewide, while also advancing proposals in her FY27 executive budget to crack down on illegal, 3D-printed firearms and DIY machine guns as part of New York’s nation-leading gun laws. The state also continues to expand safe storage efforts and invest in prevention initiatives, including SNUG Street Outreach, Project RISE, and the new HOPE program for youth and families in communities impacted by gun violence.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “When we invest in the people, programs and partnerships that prevent violence before it happens, we see real results. The progress we are seeing in Buffalo and GIVE communities across the state reflects the strength of collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations and local leaders working together to make neighborhoods safer.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Reducing gun violence and crime while strengthening public safety is commonsense, good government and we are seeing that right now in Erie County with the success of the GIVE initiative. Gov. Hochul’s commitment to keeping us all safer is evident and the decreases in violent crimes and related crime rates underscore that commitment. Along with our many partners in law enforcement, we will continue to work together to create safer communities here and across New York state.

Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said, “I am grateful to Gov. Hochul for her continued support of public safety initiatives. Her commitment of state funding has enhanced the collaborative efforts of prosecutors, our law enforcement partners and our community partners to achieve unprecedented low levels of gun-involved crime in our community. I look forward to our continued partnership with the governor and New York state as we work to make Buffalo and Erie County safer for everyone.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, “As crime continues to trend downward in Buffalo, I commend the members of the Buffalo Police Department for their dedication to preventing gun violence by confiscating 77 guns in conjunction with gun-related arrests in the first three months of the year. I'd also like to thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for her leadership and commitment to public safety that has given law enforcement the resources they need to continue this trend.”

Administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, GIVE supports 28 police departments in 21 counties outside of New York City through a comprehensive approach that combines data-driven policing, focused deterrence, street outreach, youth engagement and community-based violence prevention strategies. These police departments typically report the highest volume of violent crime outside the five boroughs. GIVE funding – a record $36 million – also supports district attorneys’ offices, probation departments and sheriffs’ offices in those 21 counties.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.