Governor Hochul Convenes New Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, Including Partnership with Mayor Adams and NYPD

Statement

Governor Hochul today led the first meeting of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns. The multi-state consortium convened to share intelligence, tools, tactics, and strategies to combat gun violence, especially as it relates to the trafficking of firearms between states. Among other things, the State Police discussed the latest tools and technologies available as well as analysis of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other data sources in furtherance of this endeavor.

"Gun violence is a public health crisis driven by a plague of illegal guns flowing into New York from out of state," Governor Hochul said. "We are taking action to tackle this crisis head-on, and this collaboration with our local, interstate, and federal partners will help stop the flow of illegal guns and save lives."

Representatives from the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, and ATF were joined by law enforcement representatives from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Hampshire and met for three hours to discuss a host of issues surrounding firearm-related investigations, policing strategies and best practices. The group discussed ways to improve gun data sharing across local, state and federal lines and explored the differences in federal and state laws that relate to ghost guns.

The group will have a follow-up meeting in the coming weeks, and NYSP will plan an intra-state consortium to share information with local law enforcement agencies across the state.

Source