Attorney General James Announces Community Gun Buybacks Have Removed More Than 10,000 Guns from New York

More Than 600 Firearms Turned in at OAG Gun Buyback Event in Rochester

Since 2019, OAG Has Recovered 10,534 Firearms from Gun Buyback Events Throughout New York

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has removed more than 10,000 guns from New York’s streets through dozens of community gun buyback events hosted since 2019. Today, 606 firearms were turned in at a gun buyback event in Rochester hosted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Rochester Police Department. This event is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and keep New Yorkers safe. Since 2019, OAG’s gun buybacks have removed 10,534 guns from New York state.

“Taking dangerous weapons off the streets helps keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General James. “My office’s gun buyback events give New Yorkers a safe and secure way to rid their homes of deadly weapons and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Today, I am proud to announce that we have removed more than 10,000 guns through our buyback events. Every gun collected today was another life saved and potential tragedy avoided. I am grateful to the Rochester Police Department and the city of Rochester for their assistance with today’s buyback, and thank all our law enforcement partners across the state for their commitment to public safety.”

AG James announces community gun buybacks have removed more than 10,000 guns from New York

Some of the guns collected from Rochester gun buyback

Today’s buyback event in Rochester recovered 606 guns, including 44 assault weapons, 177 handguns, and 247 long guns. Following today’s gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove 10,534 guns out of New York communities through more than 50 buyback events. 

Governor Hochul Announces 16 Arrests in State Crackdown on Auto Insurance Fraud

New York State Police and Department of Financial Services Uncover Staged Crashes and Fraudulent Insurance Claims Throughout New York State

Builds on Governor Hochul’s Efforts to Lower Auto Insurance Costs by Tackling Fraud, Waste and Abuse That Drive Up Costs for New York Drivers

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a joint investigative partnership by members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) resulted in the arrests of 16 individuals as part of ongoing and joint auto insurance fraud investigations. The joint investigation uncovered nearly $500,000 in attempted fraudulent claims across more than a dozen cases in New York City and Suffolk, Onondaga, Monroe, and Erie counties. The arrests follow major reforms enacted earlier this year by Governor Hochul as part of her statewide effort to combat staged crashes, fraudulent insurance claims and other schemes that drive up auto insurance costs for New Yorkers.

“Auto insurance fraud is not a victimless crime — every staged crash, fraudulent claim and criminal scheme ultimately drives up costs for New Yorkers who play by the rules,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re cracking down on fraudsters and making it clear that New York will not tolerate criminals gaming the system at the expense of hardworking families.”

The 16 arrests announced today include 31 total charges – 29 felonies and 2 misdemeanors across the following counties:

County	Total Arrests
Bronx	7
Erie	1
Kings	2
Monroe	1
Queens	1
Onondaga	1
Richmond	1
Suffolk	2

Two cases highlight the ongoing work of the task force:

In Brooklyn, investigators examined a December 2, 2025 crash in which a driver allegedly caused a collision by deliberately cutting in front of another vehicle at an intersection. Investigators say the suspect falsely accused the other driver of running a stop sign and collected more than $16,000 in medical insurance claims.

Video evidence shows the suspect's vehicle turning into the other car, according to investigators. Police arrested the suspect on charges of third-degree insurance fraud, a class D felony, as well as first-degree falsifying business records, second-degree staging a motor vehicle accident and third-degree criminal mischief, all class E felonies. The investigation remains ongoing.

On March 18, 2026, multiple actors staged an accident in the Bronx, NY. Following the accident, the suspects involved received medical treatment from injuries they alleged from the staged accident, which resulted in more than $70,000 worth of fraudulent medical expenses. Both suspects were arrested and charged with Insurance Fraud 2nd degree–C Felony, Attempted Grand Larceny 2nd degree-D Felony and Falsifying Business Records 1st-E Felony.

Investigations remain ongoing, with additional enforcement actions expected. Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of insurance fraud is urged to call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 888-372-8369 or visit dfs.ny.gov/consumers to file an online report.

 

AS FRANCE ERUPTS IN RIOTS, HERNANDEZ WARNS NEW YORK COULD BE NEXT WITH $217 BILLION IN DEBT

 

As France erupts in violent riots amid rising costs, deteriorating public services and a mounting debt crisis, Republican State Comptroller nominee Joseph Hernandez warned that New York is heading down a dangerous path, with the State, New York City and MTA owing a combined $217 billion.

 

More than 550,000 people protested across France this weekend, with demonstrations turning violent. Over 1,800 people were arrested, 150 police officers were injured, and approximately 1,500 businesses were damaged. France's debt has reached €3.6 trillion, or 119 percent of its economy, with borrowing costs hitting a 24-year high.

 

New York is facing its own growing debt crisis. New York City owes $112 billion, the State owes $56 billion, and the MTA owes another $49 billion. Taxpayers are paying approximately $1.6 billion every month in principal and interest, including $750 million for the City, $630 million for the State, and $240 million for the MTA. That's money that could otherwise support schools, public safety and essential services.

 

Meanwhile, Albany continues piling on debt through backdoor borrowing that bypasses direct voter approval. The State Comptroller's own office projects $56.4 billion in additional public authority borrowing over the next five years, financing more than 51% of planned capital spending. State-supported debt is projected to soar nearly 64%, leaving just $177 million in borrowing capacity under the statutory debt cap by 2031.

 

"Look at what's happening in France. This is what happens when governments lose control of their finances and leave hardworking taxpayers holding the bag," said Hernandez. "New York is already drowning in $217 billion in debt, and Albany is planning billions more in backdoor borrowing without asking the voters. Meanwhile, families can barely afford to live here."

 

"France should be a wake-up call. If we don't get our spending and borrowing under control, we're next. As Comptroller, I'll expose the backdoor borrowing, strengthen independent audits, root out waste and fraud, and hold Albany accountable for every taxpayer dollar before we reach the breaking point."

Mayor Mamdani Expands Community-Based Violence Prevention to Bushwick, Harlem, and Washington Heights/Inwood

 

Expansion strengthens community-based violence prevention, conflict mediation, street outreach and support through trusted local organizations and credible messengers 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois and the Office of Community Safety today announced the expansion of New York City’s Crisis Management System (CMS) to Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood.  

 

The expansion will strengthen the City’s work of credible messengers — trusted community member who work to mediate conflicts before they become violence — while connecting New Yorkers to jobs, mental health services, mentorship, education and other resources.  The three neighborhoods, known as catchment areas, were selected based on crime data, unmet service needs and other indicators. Each full CMS catchment receives $1.6 million in City funding.  

 

The expansion reflects the Mamdani administration’s evidence-based, whole-of-government approach to public safety: preventing violence before it happens by investing in the people and community organizations that know their neighborhoods best. 

 

“Public safety is strongest when it begins with prevention and when communities have the resources to resolve conflict, support young people and keep their neighbors safe,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “By expanding the Crisis Management System in Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood, we are investing in trusted local organizations and credible messengers who know their communities and have earned their trust. That is how we build a safer New York City: by pairing accountability with opportunity and making sure every neighborhood has the resources to keep its people safe.” 

 

“Every New Yorker deserves to be safe in their neighborhood, and that safety is strongest when it is built with — not imposed on — communities,” said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois. “This expansion gives trusted local partners the resources they need to reach people before a crisis, interrupt violence and respond to community needs with care, credibility and urgency.” 

 

Developed through investments from the City Council and the administration more than a decade ago, the CMS is a network of community-based organizations working to prevent and reduce gun violence in neighborhoods most affected by it. CMS combines immediate conflict prevention with sustained support to help New Yorkers build safer futures. 

 

CMS partners deploy trained outreach workers and violence interrupters, often known as credible messengers, who have deep roots in their communities and are able to build trust with people at greatest risk of becoming involved in violence. Teams identify and de-escalate disputes before they turn violent, support residents after violent incidents and help prevent retaliation. They also connect participants to job training, employment, education, mental health care, legal assistance and other services.  

 

CMS currently operates across 46 neighborhood service areas. 

Bushwick 

 

In Bushwick, the City will expand The Wick Against Violence, operated by Southside United, to strengthen neighborhood outreach and support residents at risk of gun violence. The investment builds on Southside United’s existing work at Woodhull Hospital and programming at Bushwick Houses, giving the organization additional resources to deepen neighborhood outreach and provide sustained support to residents at risk of gun violence. 

 

Harlem 

 

The new investment will expand Living Redemption’s neighborhood outreach and conflict-mediation work, while connecting more young people and families with trusted mentors and pathways to employment, education and other support.  

 

Washington Heights/Inwood 

 

In Washington Heights/Inwood, the City will establish a new CMS street-outreach team through Grow Up Grow Out Jr., operated by United Way, bringing CMS outreach services to an area the network has not previously covered. Trained neighborhood workers will provide street outreach, conflict mediation and ongoing support to residents at risk of becoming involved in violence. 

 

Permits Filed for 2314 Cambreleng Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2314 Cambreleng Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between East 183rd Street and East 187th Street, the lot is closest to the 182-183 Streets subway station, served by the B and D trains. Xhuljano Shala is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 39-foot-tall development will yield 6,602 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 12 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 550 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Jakov Saric of Node Architecture, Engineering, Consulting PC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General James, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Protects Access to Affordable Road Repair Services in Western and Central New York

 

AG James Protects Competition Amid Merger of Asphalt Companies That Counties and Towns Rely on for Road Repairs

New York Attorney General Letitia James ensured that towns and counties in Western and Central New York will continue to have fair options for critical road repair services. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found that a proposed merger of Colas Inc. (Colas) and Suit-Kote Corporation (Suit-Kote) would have unfairly reduced competition for road maintenance services, leaving many local governments with just one company to turn to when they need to conduct repairs to keep their roads safe. After DOJ terminated its review, which would have allowed the merger to proceed unconditionally, Attorney General James and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday continued their investigations. As a result, Colas must sell one of its facilities in Pennsylvania and three former Suit-Kote facilities in New York to a qualified buyer to maintain competition.

“No one should be forced to pay unfair prices for safe, well-maintained roads,” said Attorney General James. “Protecting competition in this industry will ensure New Yorkers’ tax dollars are spent fairly and asphalt companies will continue to provide high-quality services to our towns and counties.”

“This action will protect critical roadway infrastructure in central and western Pennsylvania, and for our neighbors to the north, and preserve the government funds that pay for it,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. “Antitrust work is essential as it ensures transactions between companies do not harm families, local economies, and consumers.”

Colas and Suit-Kote are asphalt companies that both provide road repair services in New York and Pennsylvania. In New York, the majority of road mileage is comprised of county and local roads, which are maintained by county and local governments. Because county and municipal highway departments rarely have the specialized crews and equipment needed to perform the necessary road repairs, they often rely on “turnkey” service providers like Colas and Suit-Kote who both supply the asphalt and apply it to repair the roads.

The OAG’s investigation found that for several counties in Western and Central New York – including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wayne, and the municipalities included in their county’s contracts – Colas and Suit-Kote were often the only two regular bidders for turnkey road repair services. The proposed merger under Colas threatened to eliminate this competition, giving Colas the power to demand higher prices and eliminating its incentive to invest in higher quality services and innovation.

Under the settlement, Colas will be required to sell several of its locations to a single, competitive buyer. Colas must sell Suit-Kote’s regional headquarters in Jamestown, its manufacturing and storage facilities in Buffalo and Belmont, and a Colas facility in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The buyer will also have the option to purchase additional equipment from Colas, such as vehicles for transporting and applying asphalt. The locations Colas is required to sell include facilities that are strategically located to serve customers throughout Western and Central New York, with easy access to key suppliers and ample capacity to produce millions of gallons of asphalt emulsions each year. As a result, local and county governments in areas affected by the merger will continue to have competing options for road maintenance services.

Illegal Alien Admits to Illegally Voting in Federal Election in New Jersey

 

An illegal alien from Jamaica admitted to illegally voting in a federal election, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey announced.

Gaye Tyndale-Simpson, an illegal alien from Jamaica, pleaded guilty to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Rukhsanah L. Singh in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Tyndale-Simpson, 55, is a citizen of Jamaica and has never been a citizen of the United States. In November 2024, Tyndale-Simpson voted in the general election that was held in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the office of the President.

The voting by an alien charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison and a $100,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Singh on Feb. 24, 2027.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Wood, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the investigation.

This case was brought under the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners focused on preserving and protecting the integrity of elections conducted in the District of New Jersey.