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“Today, we, along with several members of the Hochul Administration, met with New Yorkers who are fighting the rising scourge of gun violence on the ground in our communities. Given the urgency this challenging time demands, the State recognizes the necessity of hearing directly from our violence prevention leaders on what they need and how the State can offer support.
“Obviously, there have been common threads felt across our cities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: unprecedented unemployment, social unrest, mental health challenges, and closed schools. Still, those closest to this issue understand there are deeper issues at play and better tools to deploy, and that's why we are soliciting their help.
“From the Interstate Taskforce on Illegal Guns that is fighting the flow of illegal guns through eight states, to legislation banning ghost guns in New York, to tripling funding for violence prevention and intervention programs, this Administration has taken bold steps to fight gun violence. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned, especially when it comes to opportunities for our young people, in our quest to root out the origins of gun violence in our communities.
“Today’s conversation in Brooklyn was the first of many we will be having across the state as we identify the targeted solutions required in each of our cities, and build toward solutions that protect all New Yorkers. Rebuilding from the pandemic will require our trusted community partners’ leadership in restoring faith, ending fear, and giving birth to a new era of positivity that allows for all New Yorkers to realize their potential.
“In many ways, New York is a big, extended family. We are going to win this fight the family way: together."