Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was back home in Western New York on Friday to discuss significant progress being made in the fight against gun violence in the City of Buffalo.
"We talk often about our need to protect the public, and strategies and engagement from the state and working with local partners and resources. You also have to have partners who are literally in the streets making this happen. I'm so proud that Buffalo has surpassed all expectations, in terms of its crime rate. We're talking about, particularly, the most egregious crimes - shootings and homicides," said Gov. Hochul during a press conference on Friday at Buffalo Police Headquarters in Downtown Buffalo.
According to data reported by City Police for the first half of 2023, when compared to the same timeframe in 2021, there was a 73% decline in the number of firearm-involved homicides. In addition, Buffalo has seen a 60% decline in those injured by gunfire, as well as a 59% decline in shooting incidents.
Buffalo’s reductions in gun violence during the first six months of this year led the 20 police departments that participate in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, and builds upon double-digit decreases in shooting incidents with injuries and individuals shot in 2022.
"Buffalo is leading the charge," Gov. Hochul said." Let's just look at the numbers from January to June. Homicides here are down 62% this year, and 65% since the summer of 2021 when I took office. That's the largest decrease. I've been watching these numbers closely since that time, the largest decrease since 1985. From January to June last year, there were 42 homicides. This year, the same period, it's 16. Fatal shootings are down 73% from our peak in 2021. Last year, there were 36 fatal shootings in Buffalo, and we knew 10 in one afternoon. This year, there's been 11 total. First half of 2021, 184 shooting victims. Same period last year, 143. This year, it's 73. That's a 60% decrease since 2021, the peak of the pandemic. Shooting incidents are down tremendously."
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To put things into perspective, the data from the Buffalo Police Department shows the lowest number of violent crimes seen per-month in the last three decades in the city. Gov. Hochul adds many national outlets are taking notice, saying Buffalo has been highlighted as one of the cities leading the way in reducing homicides.
"We won't stop until these numbers are down to zero. We will not say mission accomplished. We're not done. But this is extraordinary," Gov. Hochul said.
In addition, the Governor highlighted the state's initiative to seize illegal weapons and ghost guns, including in the City of Buffalo. Last year, police agencies across the state seized 10,427 illegal guns, a 65% increase when compared to 2019 (6,338 guns) and a 15% increase when compared to 2021 (9,088 guns). At the same time, the Buffalo Police Department seized the most guns since 2010: 956 guns, including 76 ghost guns.
Gov. Hochul also announced 16 community-based organizations in Buffalo have received $2 million in state funding through Project RISE, a new program to strengthen communities dealing with the long-term effects of gun violence. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, the funding is being shared equally among Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, Metro Community Development Corporation - Delevan Grider Community Center, Open Buffalo and VOICE Buffalo.
"Let's celebrate this day, but also look forward and say, 'What are we doing right? What technologies and strategies can we embrace here, but also talk about across the state so others can see what's being done here?' But holding out Buffalo as a model this day is an opportunity for us to say they're doing it right," Gov. Hochul said. "The numbers are trending in a positive direction, and more people are alive today in Buffalo as a result of these efforts."