New York has seen a substantial decline in gun violence, with Governor Kathy Hochul citing record state investments and coordinated efforts between law enforcement and community organizations as key factors. According to data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), shooting incidents involving injury have decreased by 14% while shooting deaths plunged by 21% over the first seven months of 2025, as compared to the same period the previous year. Notably, these improvements are cast across communities participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative.
At the GIVE forefront, local law enforcement agencies and community groups tirelessly have worked, their efforts being bolstered by state funding directed towards this pervasive issue. As quoted by the Governor’s Office in a statement, “Gun violence in New York is falling as a direct result of our record investments in public safety and prevention initiatives.” The DCJS statistics show a significant drop in figures—with 303 shooting incidents with injury reported, down from 351, alongside a descent in the number of individuals shot from 455 to 356, and a decrease in gun-violence-related deaths from 70 to 55.
Rosanna Rosado, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, attributes this progress to Governor Hochul’s investments, which have “empowered our local partners.” With steadfast leadership and support for public safety partnerships, Governor Hochul’s strategies are being praised for building safer and stronger neighborhoods. Echoing this sentiment, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James affirms the pivotal role of GIVE, alongside other initiatives from the Governor’s Office, in aggressively tackling gun violence across the state…