New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces $36 million for local police departments to continue combating gun violence in New York – NBC New York

Gun violence in New York state has declined significantly in the first five months of the year, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

According to the governor, gun violence in the state decreased by 28% in the first five months of the year. In addition to announcing these statistics on Thursday, Hochul also announced that she would award nearly $36 million to local law enforcement to try to continue the fight against gun violence.

Data from 28 police departments in 21 counties participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative (GIVE), which provides agencies with funding for crime-fighting measures in communities outside of New York City, revealed that this year until May 2024 there has been an increase of 28%. and a 20% drop in shootings resulting in firearm injuries and homicides, respectively.

“The 28 percent decrease reflects 218 shooting incidents with injuries between January 1 and May 31, 2024, compared to 303 incidents between January 1 and May 31, 2023,” according to the governor’s office.

The homicide rate, according to the governor, is at its lowest level since 1970, marking a “historic low.”

“This means that, for once, real lives are not affected by the scourge of gun violence,” Hochul said. “People can raise their children, pursue their dreams and make a difference in their community in a safe environment. »

Overall, crimes listed in all seven categories – four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property crimes (burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft) – also declined outside in New York City during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

To continue these efforts, the governor revealed that, for the second year in a row, her office will invest $36 million in the GIVE program, a record amount of funding.

Hochul also took the opportunity to provide an update on recent hate crimes perpetrated in New York against the Jewish community. One of the most recent reports involves vandalism on Tuesday at the home of the Brooklyn Museum’s Jewish director and other board members. This follows a report from the Anti-Defamation League released earlier this year revealing that anti-Semitic crimes in New York increased 110% in the final quarter of 2023, marking a new record.

In response to these hate crimes, Hochul announced an increase in New York State Police troop levels in “hotspot locations across New York State.” In March of this year, the governor and Mayor Eric Adams also launched a sweeping five-point plan, including the deployment of the National Guard, to improve subway security, which she said is “starting to work, at the both to reduce crime and to make people feel safer.” .”

Hochul further suggested banning face masks on public transportation to deter individuals from engaging in delinquent actions while hiding their identities in these spaces.

“As governor, I will leave no stone unturned in my mission to keep New Yorkers safe until everyone feels equally safe,” Hochul said.