The Syracuse Police Department alerts the community about a concerning rise in gun violence, linking recent shootings to illegal firearms trafficked from southern states. Police Chief Joe Cecile highlights that a significant portion of these guns, often purchased legally in states like Georgia and Virginia, finds their way into New York’s streets, complicating efforts to control crime.
In 2023 alone, Syracuse recovered 352 firearms involved in criminal activity, placing it fourth in the state for gun recoveries. This troubling trend is underscored by data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which shows that gun recoveries in New York have surged from approximately 7,500 in 2014 to 11,400 in 2023. The police are now tackling not just the aftermath of gun violence but also the intricate supply lines that feed it, necessitating a broader response beyond traditional police work.
Read full story at cnycentral.com
