Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $36 Million to Keep Reducing Gun Violence and Highlights 19 Percent Decline in Shootings

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $36 million has been awarded to local law enforcement agencies in 21 counties to continue the state's progress in reducing gun violence. This funding is part of New York State's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative - view a county-by-county breakdown of the new funding awards.

The Governor also highlighted that shootings declined 19 percent through August 2026 compared to the same time last year in communities participating in the GIVE initiative. Shooting victims are now at the lowest level on record since New York State began tracking this data two decades ago.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Governor Hochul has secured record-level funding for the GIVE initiative, which has contributed to a 67 percent decrease in shooting incidents involving injury since she took office in 2021. In the last five years, Governor Hochul has invested nearly $4 billion in public safety - more than $1 billion of which has gone to supporting New York's gun violence prevention, intervention and enforcement.

"Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority - and with record investments and strong partnership with law enforcement, we'll keep driving down gun violence to record lows," Governor Hochul said. "I remain committed to working with law enforcement and all stakeholders to ensure safer streets and communities for families throughout every corner of our state."

Nearly $36 Million in New Funding

New York State's GIVE initiative supports 28 police agencies - as well as district attorneys' offices, probation departments and sheriffs' offices - in 21 counties outside of New York City. The initiative funds personnel, overtime, equipment and technical assistance, and requires participating agencies to have a comprehensive plan with evidence-based strategies to reduce shootings and firearm-related violent crime. GIVE is administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The GIVE funding announced today totals $35,987,983 and a breakdown of funding by county and participating law enforcement partners is available online. Funding by region:

• Western New York: $9,014,185
• Finger Lakes: $6,579,486
• North Country: $448,027
• Central New York: $3,598,127
• Southern Tier: $1,667,774
• Mohawk Valley: $1,539,256
• Capital Region: $5,102,896
• Mid-Hudson: $5,419,607
• Long Island: $2,618,625

The following police departments participate in GIVE: Albany, Amherst, Auburn, Binghamton, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Elmira, Greece, Hempstead, Ithaca, Jamestown, Kingston, Lackawanna, Middletown, Mount Vernon, Nassau County, Newburgh (city), Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Rochester (city), Schenectady, Spring Valley, Suffolk County, Syracuse, Troy, Utica, Watertown and Yonkers.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "Throughout New York State, we have heard countless stories about the positive impact that the Gun Involved Violence Elimination, or GIVE, initiative has had in driving down violent crime. GIVE provides local law enforcement with critical funding, training, and support to put proven strategies into action. The continued record-low number of shooting incidents and victims shows what is possible when agencies work together and have the resources they need. Governor Hochul's continued commitment to this initiative is truly saving lives and transforming communities."

19 Percent Decline in Shootings Through August

When comparing January through August 2026 to the same time last year, shooting incidents involving injury in GIVE communities declined 19 percent. Thirteen participating police departments - including Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Schenectady, Utica and Watertown - reported no firearm-related deaths during the first eight months of this year.

Several police departments across the state experienced double-digit reductions in shooting incidents with injury and shooting victims during the first eight months of 2026 compared to 2025:

• The City of Albany saw a 25 percent decrease in shooting victims
• The City of Rochester saw a 25 percent decrease in shootings
• The City of Syracuse saw a 25 percent decrease in shootings
• Suffolk County saw a 24 percent decrease in shootings
• The City of Yonkers saw a 21 percent decrease in shooting victims

Detailed data are available on the DCJS Gun Violence Dashboard.

Shootings Down 67 Percent Since Governor Took Office in 2021

A number of GIVE agencies throughout New York also experienced significant, double-digit drops in both shooting incidents with injury and shooting victims in the last five years:

• The City of Albany saw a 56 percent decrease in shootings and a 68 percent decrease in shooting victims
• The City of Buffalo saw a 66 percent decrease in shootings and shooting victims
• The City of Niagara Falls saw a 59 percent decrease in shootings and a 57 percent decrease in shooting victims
• The City of Rochester saw a 67 percent decrease in shootings and a 64 percent decrease in shooting victims
• Suffolk County saw a 64 percent decrease in shootings and a 66 percent decrease in shooting victims
• The City of Syracuse saw a 63 percent decrease in shootings and shooting victims

Gun violence in New York City also decreased significantly compared to 2021: a 58 percent reduction in both shooting incidents with injury and shooting victims, and a 59 percent decline in individuals killed by gun violence.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The decline in gun violence across New York shows that when we invest in proven, evidence-based programs like GIVE and SNUG, our communities are safer. We are seeing that progress in real time right here in the Hudson Valley, where Yonkers has seen a 21 percent decrease in shooting victims this year, and Mount Vernon has reported no firearm-related deaths through August. The Senate Majority has made these types of targeted investments in violence prevention, intervention and enforcement a priority year after year, more recently allocating $352 million in the FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget for gun violence prevention programs. I will continue working with Governor Hochul and our partners across the state to build on this progress and continue investing in prevention tactics to protect New Yorkers from gun violence statewide."

State Senator James Skoufis said, "Public safety remains a top priority, and this $100,000 investment into the City of Middletown will continue to go a long way. The fight against gun violence is ongoing, and I thank the Governor for this funding and law enforcement for their unwavering dedication."

State Senator Rachel May said, "With more than a 60 percent decrease in shootings in Syracuse, the GIVE initiative is having a significant impact on violence across Central New York. Investing in violence prevention and public safety helps families and businesses thrive, and communities grow. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to reducing gun violence and ensuring safer communities."

State Senator Monica R. Martinez said, "When we provide law enforcement the resources they need to fight gun violence, we GIVE our residents safer streets. The nearly $36 million being invested statewide, including more than $2.6 million on Long Island, will help law enforcement build on the double-digit declines in shootings we have seen across the state this year. I thank Governor Hochul and the Division of Criminal Justice Services for continuing to prioritize this investment in safer communities."

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "It's critical that our local law enforcement have the resources they need to combat gun violence and make our communities safer for everyone. I'm proud to help deliver more than $360,000 through the GIVE program to aid law enforcement across Ulster County in their efforts to interrupt cycles of violence and save lives through proven community-led strategies. I thank our Sheriff's office, DA, Probation, and Kingston PD for their tireless work to protect public safety and Governor Hochul for prioritizing these investments."

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, "We cannot accept gun violence as a normal part of life, and while we may not prevent every tragedy, every life saved is reason enough to act. The progress we are seeing across New York demonstrates what sustained investment and a commitment to public safety can accomplish. I commend Governor Hochul for building on these results and ensuring our law enforcement and community partners have the resources to keep making our neighborhoods safer."

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "The data is clear: New York's GIVE initiative works. Investing in these kinds of public safety initiatives means saving lives. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's continued support to keep our communities safe and ensure Rochester has the resources we need to flourish."

State Senator Samra Brouk said, "The Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program has been instrumental in helping Rochester become safer for our residents. Since 2021, the City of Rochester has seen a 67 percent decrease in shootings and a 64 percent decrease in shooting victims, demonstrating the impact we can make when we address violence with evidence-based strategies. I applaud Governor Hochul for her continued investment in driving down gun violence and for prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of New Yorkers across the state."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "Combatting the root causes of gun violence means investing in intervening boots on the ground, community organizations who are doing the work, and our partners in law enforcement. We have more to do to ensure that every person on our streets here in the Capital Region feels safe, but investing in proven, community-based organizations that interrupt cycles of violence in our neighborhoods and in law enforcement is how we provide meaningful hope and action. I want to thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the State Legislature for funding these innovative programs and for their laser-focus on reducing gun violence on Capital Region streets."

State Senator Christopher Ryan said, "Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community, and that starts with giving our local law enforcement agencies the resources they need to prevent violence. The continued decline in shootings demonstrates the value of investing in strategies that are making a measurable difference. I'm grateful to the officers and public safety professionals working in our communities, and I thank Governor Hochul for ensuring Central New York and communities across our state have the tools they need to build safer neighborhoods."

State Senator Jeremy Zellner said, "Shootings in Buffalo are down 66 percent since 2021, and that did not happen by accident. Governor Hochul made public safety a priority and put real resources behind the people doing this work every day. We are seeing the results here in Buffalo. This funding will help us build on that progress, further reduce shootings and violence, and keep our neighborhoods safe."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "Part of being able to reduce gun violence to historically low levels in New York State includes equipping our law enforcement agencies with the tools to do just that. Governor Hochul has made public safety one of her top priorities and is honoring that through GIVE and other like-minded funding focused on the eradication of gun violence in our communities."

Assemblymember Steve Stern said, "Gun Violence is the moral issue of our time and we have been able to make meaningful progress in reducing gun crime in our communities. The Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative supports local law enforcement with significant funding to the Suffolk Police, Sheriff, District Attorney and Probation Department and Nassau County Law enforcement. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for her commitment to our law enforcement agencies and for helping keep our communities safe."

Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "Governor Hochul recognized the urgent need to address gun violence, and we are seeing significant declines in gun violence incidents both here in Western New York and across the Empire State. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and I'm proud of the progress we've made. This significant investment in the GIVE program will help law enforcement agencies to build on that progress and continue their important work, including right here in Amherst."

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, "I am grateful to the Mohawk Valley law enforcement officers who day-in and day-out are on the front lines combatting gun violence in our communities. These results are encouraging and are a demonstration of what is possible when state resources are paired with strong, proactive local partnerships, however the work cannot and does not stop here. Keeping illegal guns out of the hands of our youth and young adults, and holding accountable those adults who target, exploit and manipulate them into acts of violence remains a clear and ever-present priority here in the Mohawk Valley. I want to thank the Governor and I will continue to support GIVE, our law enforcement, and every effort to make life safer in our community."

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, "Community safety can't just be a cycle of crime and punishment - it requires a smarter approach that prevents violence and builds stronger connections between neighborhoods and law enforcement. That's what makes the GIVE initiative so effective. I'm glad that the cities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie will continue to benefit from this program. While the statistics are impressive, we can't declare victory and take our eyes off the ball."

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford said, "The statistics showing that gun crime, violence and deaths are plummeting across the state is a clear indication that prevention works. GIVE funding, and the grassroots, on the ground interventions it powers, makes our communities safer. The numbers don't lie. I am proud of the progress we've made towards safer communities with GIVE funding, and I thank the Governor for her continued commitment to getting these dollars to the zip codes that need it the most."

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, "The continued decline in gun violence across New York shows the importance of sustained investment in proven public safety strategies. The GIVE initiative gives local law enforcement and community partners the resources they need to prevent violence and keep New Yorkers safe. These results show that targeted, evidence-based investments can make a meaningful difference in our communities. I thank Governor Hochul for continuing this critical investment."

Assemblymember Kwani B. O'Pharrow said, "As a retired NYPD Detective keeping our communities safe is more than just words, it's action. Creating partnerships, and a unified commitment to law enforcement is what's needed. Critical investments like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative (GIVE) program significantly reduces gun violence. As I patrolled the streets of Brooklyn I saw first hand how effective being proactive can be. We must ensure law enforcement is equipped with the right tools necessary to protect our communities. Every life matters, every second every matters and every community matters. I thank our Governor Kathy Hocul for her leadership and commitment to protecting Suffolk County, Nassau County and all of New York State."

Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay said, "The men and women of the Middletown Police Department work tirelessly to keep our city safe, and this grant will go a long way toward helping them continue that important work. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her commitment to our law enforcement officers and to building a safer New York."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "Investing in proven, collaborative approaches to preventing gun violence is an investment in safer communities. I'm proud to see $2.6 million coming to Albany County to support this program across our law enforcement agencies as they continue working together with community partners to address gun violence and keep our neighborhoods safe. This funding gives our local partners the resources they need to build on the progress we've made and develop community-based solutions that prevent violence before it happens. I thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for their continued commitment to making these critical investments in public safety."

Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, "While violent crime in New York State continues a historic downward trend, I am proud to support the Governor's continued investment in programs and initiatives that further reduce gun violence in our communities. This funding will continue to make schools, campuses, and public spaces safer for everyone."

Everytown for Gun Safety Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Monisha Henley said, "The results are clear: when we pair common-sense gun safety laws with true investments in public safety, our communities are safer. Empowering, training and fully funding local law enforcement to partner with the communities most impacted by gun violence keeps our streets safer for all New Yorkers. We're thankful for Governor Hochul's incredible investments to end senseless violence across our state."