NEW YORK CITY, New York — Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced a significant milestone in their fight against gun violence, revealing that 3,000 illegal firearms have been seized this year alone. This brings the total number of guns removed from New York City streets since the mayor took office to over 22,700.
The recent efforts to eliminate firearms have been hailed as instrumental in making the city safer, contributing to a notable 54% decrease in shooting incidents and a 36% reduction in homicide rates. Adams emphasized the importance of public safety as a foundational element of urban life and expressed pride in the strides made toward reducing gun violence. “Each gun seized represents a life saved, a family protected, and a community made safer,” he stated.
As part of the city’s ongoing efforts, Adams plans to increase the number of police officers, underscoring the direct impact that the removal of guns has on safety. Commissioner Tisch highlighted the tangible results from these initiatives, noting that New York City recorded both the lowest number of shooting victims in a six-month period and a historical low for shooting incidents during the first half of 2025.
Despite these positive statistics, city officials acknowledged ongoing challenges with teenage gun violence. Community activists such as Yanely Henriquez, who lost her daughter to gun violence, were recognized for their roles in advocating for change. State assembly member Chantel Jackson called for federal assistance to ensure stricter controls on firearms entering the city, emphasizing that many guns still find their way to areas with strict local laws.
Moreover, the NYPD’s proactive measures have resulted in 48 gang takedowns this year, leading to the arrest of 347 gang members. Among the seized weapons, 1,500 have been identified as ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms that can be easily assembled from kits or 3D-printed components.
The city’s progress marks a hopeful trend, suggesting concerted efforts to address gun violence can lead to significant improvements in public safety. Continued collaboration between law enforcement and community members will be vital in sustaining these results and further protecting New Yorkers.