Standing over dozens of guns, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD, district attorneys, and federal partners coordinated to target and seize gang-related weapons, ghost guns, and guns trafficked from other states into the city. She framed the thousands of guns taken off the streets in terms of the impact on New Yorkers.

“ Every gun recovered represents a measure of harm prevented, a shooting that may never happen, and a family that may never have to grieve,” Tisch said.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, District Attorneys Alvin Bragg, Melinda Katz, Eric Gonzalez and Federal partners made a public safety announcement of 2000 guns taken off the streets on Friday, June 5. Credit: Lloyd Mitchell

NYPD made the announcement in conjunction with Gun Violence Awareness Day, noting that the city had seen historic reductions in major crimes, including the number of shootings and murders.

“ This milestone reflects the success of the department’s precision policing strategy, putting officers where and when they’re needed most, targeting the gangs and crews driving violent crime, and recovering illegal firearms,” Tisch said.

Officials said that nearly 600 guns had been taken off the streets of Brooklyn, around 500 in both Manhattan and the Bronx, close to 400 in Queens, and more than 100 from Staten Island.

Officials stress efforts to get guns out of youths’ hands

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, while highlighting the unprecedented reductions in major crime in the borough, noted the troubling reality of youth involvement in gun violence.

“ Unfortunately, in the Bronx, we are tragically and sadly aware of gun violence every month, nearly every day,” Clarke said. “And the terrible fact that more of the shootings are intended for and committed by youth is heartbreaking.”

Clarke pointed to charges brought Thursday against a 16-year-old boy in connection with the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old woman last week in a University Park playground last. She said the city had tools to help young people avoid crime and violence.

“ We work on prevention by focusing on youth and filling their lives with positive activities,” Clarke said.

Tisch said the reduction in crime and removal of guns wouldn’t be possible without the partnership between the NYPD and prosecutors. She emphasized that a key part of reducing major crime meant following through and turning “enforcement into consequences.”

“ These reductions are happening where they matter most, in the communities that have historically endured the greatest share of gun violence, in housing developments, and on blocks where families have been asking for safety, order, and relief for far too long,” the Commissioner said.

But police and prosecutors haven’t declared a complete victory. The summer months historically see large spikes in crime, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stressed that NYC must double down on interagency coordination and public engagement to maintain safety in the crucial months ahead. 

“ It has to be a priority to get it from all levels, accountability on one side, youth empowerment and trust in law enforcement on the other side to get them off the street before they ever shoot a gun.”