New York officials report a sharp decline in gun violence, with shooting incidents involving injuries down 60% statewide since 2021. For 2025, the first 11 months marked the lowest number of shootings with injury recorded since tracking began in 2006. Data from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, focused on the 28 communities participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program, shows significant year-over-year improvements. Between January and November 2025, these areas recorded 81 fewer shootings and 142 fewer people injured compared to the same period in 2024. Cities like Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse posted notable reductions, with Albany showing the largest progress: a 47% decline in shooting incidents with injury and a 44% drop in the number of victims.
Across all GIVE-participating departments, officers reported 477 shootings with injury between January and November, a 15% decrease from the 558 recorded during the same months the year before. The number of people shot fell 21%, dropping from 689 to 547, and gun-related deaths fell by 29 during the same period. Gov. Kathy Hochul credited these results to expanded investments in public safety and strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement. She emphasized her commitment to further lowering gun crime and improving safety across the state. The GIVE initiative supports 20 jurisdictions in 17 counties that account for the vast majority of gun violence outside New York City, offering training, coordination opportunities, and funding for policing strategies, including overtime that allows officers to build stronger community relationships.