Gun Violence Up in Nassau; Suffolk Sees Significant Drop
By Hank Russell
Gun violence in communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative fell by 19% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the governor’s office.
Shooting deaths also declined 48% (26 so far this year, compared to 50 the first six months of 2025), with 17 police departments — including the Village of Hempstead — reporting no firearm-related murders during the first six months of 2026, based on GIVE data.
In addition to the decline in shooting incidents with injury — 197 so far this year versus 244 during the same time last year — the number of shooting victims decreased by 20% (223 vs. 279), according to the state.
GIVE is part of the state’s comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence, improving public safety, and strengthening communities. Administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the GIVE initiative supports personnel, overtime, equipment and technology. The agencies participating in the initiative in each county must collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan outlining the evidence-based strategies they will use to address shootings and firearm-related violent crime. The 28 participating police departments collectively account for about 90% of violent crimes involving firearms and 85% of all violent crime reported outside of New York City.
“These statistics are more than just numbers. They are the lives that weren’t cut short, a loved one who didn’t receive a devastating phone call, and a community that was spared another act of violence,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “That’s why we’ve made record investments in both enforcement and prevention — because New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. These results show what’s possible when we stay committed to making our communities safer, and we won’t let up until every New Yorker feels safe where they live.”
Locally, both counties went in opposite directions. In Nassau County, gun violence doubled in the first six months in 2026, compared to the same time last year, according to GIVE. The number of shooting incidents involving injury was up from two to four, yet lower than the five-year average (2021-2025) to date, which is seven.
There were four shooting victims, or persons hit, so far this year, as opposed to two in the first half of 2025; however, that is lower than the five-year average of nine, based on GIVE data.
According to GIVE data, two people were killed by gun violence this year. That is up from one last year and one from the five-year average. However, there has not been a fatal shooting since April.
In Suffolk County, gun violence decreased significantly, based on GIVE data. There were 12 shooting incidents involving injury so far in 2026; that is down 29% from the previous year, when there were 17 incidents, and 45% below the five-year average of 22.
The number of shooting victims fell by 25% from 20 in 2025 to 15 this year and was 42% lower than the five-year average (26), according to GIVE data. In addition, only two people were killed as a result of gun violence — down 71% from last year, when seven people died. Further, this year’s figure was 60% lower than the five-year average (5).
Although Suffolk did not have a gun-related fatality since April, June proved to be the most violent month this year, as the GIVE data showed, having the most shooting incidents involving injury (4) and the most shooting victims (5).