Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced new developments in New York City’s efforts to address gun violence. The NYPD has successfully seized over 4,000 illegal firearms from the city's streets since the start of 2025, according to a recent report. Since Adams took office in January 2022, more than 23,700 illicit weapons have been removed, correlating with a significant reduction in shootings and homicides across the city.
In the statement obtained by the Mayor's Office, Adams expressed the tangible impact of the NYPD's efforts, stating, "Every one of the 4,000 guns seized represents a life saved, a family protected, and a community safer." These results stem from the NYPD’s strategic initiatives, such as dismantling violent gangs and directing resources toward gun violence prevention. In the summer of 2025, crime in designated summer violence zones declined by 18.3 percent, reflecting the impact of targeted enforcement.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch emphasized the tactical measures behind the reduction in crime, noting efforts such as data-driven strategies, dismantling violent gangs, and directing resources to communities most affected by gun violence. She also recognized the risks officers face as the NYPD continues its work to remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
The campaign against illegal firearms also targets the rising concern of "ghost guns" - unserialized firearms that evade traditional detection methods. From a mere 17 ghost guns retrieved in 2018, the NYPD has increased its recoveries to 199 so far this year. Adams has backed efforts for stricter regulations, supporting legislation efforts to mandate serial numbers and background checks for these guns, as per the press release.
Along with gun seizures, the Adams administration emphasizes the importance of follow-through in the justice system. Although the 2019 state legislative discovery reforms aimed to improve fairness, they have inadvertently complicated firearm case processing. Mayor Adams has expressed a commitment to improving these processes to ensure accountability for those engaged in illegal gun activities.
.jpg){kind=link}