Following Record Low Gun Violence in 2025, Governor Hochul Announces Shootings Continue to Decline Through the First Quarter of 2026

Shooting Incidents in Communities Across the State Participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative Down 65 Percent, Shooting Victims Declined 66 Percent, Individuals Killed by Gun Violence Down 74 Percent Compared to 2021

Buffalo Gun Violence Reaches Historic 20-Year Low With Shooting Incidents Down 84 Percent Since Governor Hochul Took Office

Five Police Departments — in Utica, Troy, Newburgh, Mount Vernon and Hempstead — Reported Zero Shooting Incidents Between January through March 2026 vs. Last Year

Governor Hochul Continues Efforts To Strengthen New York’s Nation-Leading Gun Laws by Advancing First-In-The-Nation Legislation To Combat Illegal Homegrown Guns

Governor Kathy Hochul today 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 2026, the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative collectively reported 81 shooting incidents involving injury, down 65 percent compared to 229 during the same period in 2021. The number of individuals shot declined 66 percent, from 262 to 88, while the number of individuals killed by gun violence dropped 74 percent, 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 percent 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,” Governor 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 State began tracking this data in 2006. Through March 2026, the Buffalo Police Department reported 10 shooting incidents involving injury, down 84 percent compared to 63 during the same period in 2021. The number of shooting victims declined 85 percent, from 72 to 11, while the number of individuals killed by gun violence fell from 16 to one.

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 percent, violent crime dropped 18 percent and property crime fell three percent. These reductions build upon a significant decrease reported by the Buffalo Police Department in 2025 vs. 2024: a 12 percent reduction in index crime, six percent drop in violent crime, and 14 percent decrease in property crime.

Since taking office, Governor 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.

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.