New York State Police have seized a record number of illegal firearms in response to a 600% increase in Extreme Risk Protection Orders following the expansion of the Red Flag Law, aimed at reducing gun violence, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Illegal gun confiscations surged 53% from 2018 to 2022, with more than 10,500 weapons seized last year alone. These efforts are part of a collaborative operation spanning 13 Northeastern states and Canada to curb the influx of illegal firearms primarily transported via the Interstate 95 corridor.
The enhanced Red Flag Law mandates state police troopers to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order if they believe a resident could pose harm to themselves or others.
The law’s expansion has led to a significant increase in the issuance of these protection orders and subsequent firearm seizures. However, law enforcement officials report a lack of adequate resources to handle the surge in orders and seizures.
To bolster the fight against gun violence, the state will invest $36.2 million in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, extending the program to eight more police departments in four counties. The initiative has reportedly led to a decrease in gun violence incidents, with communities participating in the initiative witnessing a 28% reduction in shooting injuries and a 10% drop in the murder rate. The increased funding will support 28 police departments, district attorneys offices, probation offices, and sheriffs’ departments in 21 counties, particularly focusing on communities facing a spike in violent crime.
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