Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant decrease in gun violence incidents across New York State, with Niagara Falls among the cities experiencing this positive trend. According to Hochul, gun violence has reached its lowest levels on record with shootings down 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
From January 1sr to September 30th, 2024, there were only 476 shooting incidents resulting in injury compared to 646 incidents reported during the same period in 2023. This year marks the lowest number of shooting incidents with injury since 2006.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “Public safety is my number one priority, and New York is leading the nation with proven initiatives that are making communities safer.”
She credited the state’s record investments in law enforcement and critical programs such as the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative for contributing to the decline. The GIVE initiative has allocated nearly $36 million to law enforcement agencies statewide to help reduce gun violence.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rosanna Rosado praised the collaborative efforts of community partners and law enforcement, stating, “These reductions in gun violence show that our evidence-based approaches are effective. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul and all those involved for investing in our communities and improving public safety for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James noted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
“Combating gun violence is no small matter, and we are fighting this battle on many fronts along with our local, state, and federal partners. The decrease in numbers shows progress is being made.”
Gun Violence Declines in Niagara Falls and Across NYS