NYC Hits Milestone with 20,000 Illegal Guns Seized in Three Years

More than 20,000 illegal guns have been seized by the NYPD during the Adams administration, the mayor and police commissioner said Wednesday.

The official tally — 20,137 since the start of 2022, including 377 so far this year — is updated daily on the NYPD website. More than 1,400 of the seized weapons were untraceable ghost guns.

But Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, at a press conference at the 25th Precinct, in East Harlem, stressed the story behind the numbers.

“That’s 20,000 weapons that no longer can threaten the safety of New Yorkers and our neighborhoods, our families and our children,” Adams said, “20,000 fewer chances that a New Yorker is shot or killed.”

New York City is celebrating a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against gun violence. Over the past three years, the city’s police department has successfully seized 20,000 illegal firearms, a remarkable achievement that marks a key moment in the fight to reduce crime and increase public safety.

A Step Forward in Gun Control

Mayor Eric Adams, along with the New York Police Department (NYPD), took to the podium earlier this week to announce the accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of aggressive action against illegal gun trafficking and gun violence. The 20,000 firearms include a wide range of illegal weapons, from handguns to high-powered assault rifles, many of which were linked to violent crimes.

“The seizure of 20,000 illegal guns is not just a number; it’s 20,000 fewer weapons on the streets, 20,000 fewer threats to our communities,” Mayor Adams said during a press conference. “This milestone shows the hard work of our police officers, our community partners, and our collective commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker is safe in their neighborhood.”

The Role of Technology and Data

A key element in the success of these gun seizures has been the NYPD’s adoption of advanced technology and data-driven policing strategies. The department has invested heavily in tools that track gun trafficking patterns and monitor hotspots for illegal firearm activity. Through the use of intelligence-gathering methods, undercover operations, and collaboration with federal agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the NYPD has been able to target individuals and groups involved in the illegal gun trade.

In addition to seizing firearms, the NYPD has also made hundreds of arrests connected to gun trafficking and possession, further disrupting the flow of illegal firearms into the city.

A Growing Concern: Gun Violence in NYC

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Despite significant progress in reducing overall crime rates, gun violence continues to be a pressing issue in New York City. The presence of illegal firearms remains a critical concern for law enforcement and the community alike. In recent years, there has been an uptick in gun-related incidents, including shootings, robberies, and gang violence.

The 20,000 gun seizures are part of a broader strategy to combat this issue, alongside measures such as community-based violence intervention programs, investment in mental health services, and efforts to address the root causes of crime.

“The illegal guns on our streets aren’t just statistics. They represent real harm, real families impacted, and real tragedies,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “By getting these weapons off the streets, we’re making our city safer for everyone.”

Ongoing Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the seizure of 20,000 illegal guns is a significant achievement, it also underscores the ongoing challenges in the fight against gun violence. The supply of illegal firearms remains robust, and gun trafficking networks continue to operate, often using complex methods to smuggle weapons into the city from other states or regions.

Mayor Adams and Commissioner Sewell both stressed the need for continued investment in law enforcement, as well as more robust legislative action. They have called for stricter gun control laws at both the state and federal levels to prevent firearms from entering New York City in the first place.

“We need stronger federal and state laws to limit access to guns,” Adams said. “The progress we’ve made here in New York must be matched by broader national efforts to stop the flow of illegal firearms into our communities.”

Community Support and Partnerships

In addition to law enforcement efforts, community partnerships have played a pivotal role in reducing gun violence. Local organizations, advocates, and community leaders have been working alongside the NYPD to build trust and reduce tensions between residents and police. Programs focused on educating young people about the dangers of gun violence and offering alternatives to joining gangs have also contributed to a decrease in gun-related incidents.

The collaboration between police and community groups is seen as an essential part of a holistic approach to public safety. By addressing the issue of illegal guns from multiple angles—through law enforcement, community outreach, and policy changes—New York City is taking a comprehensive approach to curbing gun violence.

The milestone of 20,000 illegal guns seized is a moment of recognition for the hard work of New York City’s law enforcement and the ongoing commitment to making the streets safer. However, it also highlights the challenges that remain in the fight against gun violence. With a multi-faceted approach that includes law enforcement, technology, community partnerships, and legislative action, the city hopes to continue making progress and reduce gun violence for years to come.

While the journey is far from over, the city has proven that dedicated efforts, collaboration, and innovation can make a meaningful impact in the fight against illegal firearms and the violence they fuel. As Mayor Adams put it, “New York is taking a stand—one illegal gun at a time.”

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