Gun violence has declined in several parts of Long Island during the first half of 2026, according to newly released New York state data.
The Village of Hempstead has seen one of the most dramatic improvements. State data shows there have been zero shootings in the village so far in 2026, compared with four shootings during the same January-to-June period last year. A decade ago, the village recorded over 30 shootings.
Village leaders and community organizations say the decline is the result of a combination of targeted policing and violence prevention efforts…