Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law the formal establishment of New York’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), marking a significant milestone in the state’s public safety strategy. The announcement comes as New York reports the lowest number of gun-involved homicides on record and continued declines in shootings across the state.

Sharp drops in gun violence statewide

New data released in June 2025 shows:

  • Shootings in New York City are down 21% year over year
  • Gun-involved homicides in NYC are at their lowest on record
  • Statewide shootings are down 17%, with a 26% reduction in individuals shot

Outside NYC, cities in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative—including Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester—also reported double-digit declines. In May 2025 alone, gun-related fatalities in these areas fell from 13 to 4 year over year.

A permanent commitment to prevention

Originally created by executive order in 2021, the OGVP is now officially codified through the FY26 state budget. Housed within the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the office:

  • Coordinates anti-violence strategies across state and local agencies
  • Leads public education efforts like safe firearm storage campaigns
  • Funds community-based violence prevention programs
  • Supports data analysis to inform and refine best practices

Governor Hochul said, “By codifying the State’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, we’re fundamentally changing how we combat this public health crisis and delivering real progress.”

Filling federal funding gaps

The move comes as the Trump Administration dismantles federal support for gun violence prevention, including the closure of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In contrast, New York has invested over $347 million in local initiatives, from youth outreach to enhanced enforcement.

New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized, “All New Yorkers deserve to feel safe… The OGVP ensures our state remains committed to that goal even as federal support is rolled back.”

Community impact and next steps

In addition to reducing violence, OGVP will:

  • Launch a statewide safe storage campaign
  • Distribute free gun locks
  • Invest $5 million into programs offering youth mentorship and mental health services

“Prevention works,” said Bronx Assemblymember Brian Cunningham. “This office will expand that impact by coordinating funding, supporting local groups, and improving accountability.”

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