On the Heels of Last Night's Shootings in the Bronx and Brooklyn, Andrew Cuomo Announces 5-Point Plan to Confront Gun Violence Epidemic
Brooklyn, NY — Andrew Cuomo, candidate for NYC mayor, today, at the site of one of last night's multiple shootings in Brooklyn where several New Yorkers were victims of gun violence, unveiled his 5-point plan to combat the surge of gun violence across New York City, following a string of high-profile shootings in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
“Denial is not a life strategy. We must confront this gun violence epidemic head-on,” Cuomo said. “That means more cops, smarter policing, meaningful opportunities for young people, community partnerships, and getting illegal guns off our streets. From basketball courts to birthday parties, from parade routes to office towers, New Yorkers feel under siege. We know what works – we’ve done it before, and together, we will do it again.”
The 5-Point Plan
5,000 More Police Officers & Retain Experienced Officers with Incentive Pay
Restore NYPD staffing to 1990s levels with an immediate infusion of 5,000 officers, including 1,500 dedicated to the subway system. Recruitment and retention incentives will ensure adequate coverage, stability, and experience on the force.
Workforce & Youth Employment Programs
Invest in opportunity as prevention. As Governor, Cuomo funded $16 million for workforce development in 20 gun-impacted cities and $12 million for 2,400 youth jobs in NYC, part of a $154.7 million state commitment to violence reduction. As a mayoral candidate, Cuomo has already pledged $100 million for New York City workforce development and employment training. These programs help break the cycle of violence and provide productive pathways for young people.
Violence Interrupters & Community-Based Approaches
Scale proven community-based programs like Save Our Streets (SOS) and other Cure Violence initiatives. Cuomo will add $50 million in city funds to bolster these approaches. A recent analysis found such programs reduced shootings by 14%, preventing an estimated 1,300 incidents in New York City.
Gun Buyback Programs
Expand citywide gun buybacks to get firearms out of circulation and prevent future tragedies.
Precision Policing
Focus policing and programs on the small percentage of individuals driving the majority of violent crime, and the small number of hot-spot areas where most crime takes place. Use intelligence, data, and technology to maximize impact while protecting civil rights.
Recent Shootings
Bronx:
- Haffen Park – 1 killed, 4 wounded (Aug 23)
- Multiple shootings in 8 hours – 2 killed (Aug 27)
- Allerton Ave drive-by – 1 killed, 4 wounded (Sept 1)
Brooklyn:
- Taste of the City Lounge – 3 killed, 11 wounded (Aug 17)
- West Indian Day Parade violence – 7 shot (Sept 1)
Manhattan:
- Midtown mass shooting at 345 Park Ave – 4 killed (July 28)
- East Harlem grandmother Robin Wright, 69, killed by stray bullet (Aug 27)
- Lower East Side NYCHA courtyard – 3 wounded (Aug 31)
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