ALBANY, NY (June 10, 2025) – Today, Chair Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (D-Elmont) joined Senator Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem) and Assemblymember Monique Chandler Waterman (D-Brookyln) to host the 2025 Gun Violence Awareness Albany Advocacy Day. Members, their constituents, and advocates from community based organizations across the state came together at the Million Dollar Staircase to highlight how they continue to address gun violence in our communities.
Members of the community spoke during the press conference not only to discuss the work that they are doing on the ground level to combat gun violence, but to also express their frustration with the loss of loved ones being taken from them. Following the press conference, there was aRoundtable Discussion hosted by the BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee. Citations and accolades were given out to advocates, survivors of gun violence and members of the community who continue to carry the trauma of losing a loved one.
“In light of the tragedies that we are reminded of today, my fellow elected officials and I must strive to help make New York State a place where every life, no matter the skin color, is valued and protected. We will continue to fight for the allocation of resources and policy changes that can change these horrific outcomes for the better. If we are going to stop gun violence, we must ensure that the young people in our communities can have a place where they can comfortably be themselves. Communities of color all across the country are the ones affected most by this issue, and we need to take action in the Legislature on their behalf.” stated Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“Our communities are at a crucial moment in a time where real investments towards the eradication of gun violence for NYS are vital more now than ever. The highest office in this nation has showcased their disinterest in preserving lives, during this national public health crisis, of gun violence, hence, we as state leaders will continue to fight for legislation and key legislation and investments for everyone. Thanks to the advocacy of the AD 58 Taskforce, BPHA Anti-gunviolence Subcommittee, key community groups and stakeholders, we have done so much to lock in investments in our 2025-2026 NYS Budget including a permanent NYS Office of Gun-violence Prevention, allowing it to play a central role in New York State’s efforts to address gun violence. Gun Violence is a national and local issue and it is time for meaningful change to address the gun violence crisis in an effective way and prioritize safety for everyone. Let’s continue to stand up against the public health crisis of gun violence and make the crucial steps of putting an end towards this epidemic, and preserve the lives of all New Yorkers.” said Assemblywoman Chandler Waterman, Chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee.
"We are disheartened to have this event because that means someone’s loved one was murdered. We know as it gets hotter in temperature outside, it gets hotter in the streets. That’s why this legislation is so important. We need to do all we can to prepare for a safe summer and, ultimately, make safer communities. I am committed to continue working collaboratively with my colleagues towards a day when we can say another child or loved one’s life was cut short by gun violence. I am grateful for the leadership of Chair Solages of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus and continuing to make a stand against this senseless violence. "stated Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.
"Each life lost to gun violence tears through the fabric of our communities—a rupture that demands courage, not complacency. As a proud member of the BPHA Caucus, I stand with all who seek to turn pain into policy, and tragedy into transformative change. This fight is not just against bullets, but against the systemic neglect that breeds violence. Through legislation rooted in justice and care, we affirm a simple truth: every New Yorker deserves to live free from the trauma of gun violence. Real safety comes not from fear, but from solidarity, investment, and action." saidSenator Robert Jackson.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that continues to devastate families and communities across our state. We must be bold in our efforts to enact common-sense gun safety laws, invest in community-based solutions, and protect our neighborhoods from the senseless loss of life. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe—in their schools, in their homes, and on their streets.” Said Assemblyman Demond Meeks.
“Gun violence remains a problem across our state, especially in our Black and Brown communities. Every day we see the residual harm gun violence causes. In the City of Buffalo, in my own district, we are still feeling the effects of the racist attack on our community and mourning those loved ones we lost. By supporting initiatives like GIVE and SNUG and other local, community-based anti-violence organizations, we can steer people away from the allure of street life and save lives. I want to thank my colleagues in the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee for working to make our communities safer.” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“Addressing gun violence requires a comprehensive, decisive, and sustained approach,” saidAssemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (D, WF-Albany, Guilderland, New Scotland). “There are several ways we can make guns less violent, such as cutting off the pipeline of guns and making it harder to kill with such ease. However, real change comes from addressing the root causes, which are the inequities in how we invest in our communities. By properly funding our schools, ending food deserts, building safe neighborhood spaces, creating summer youth programs, and expanding economic opportunity, we affirm that our youth is the future, and we must do everything in our power to protect and invest in them.”
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that is robbing our communities of future generations. In cities like Syracuse, which I proudly represent, too many families are being forced to say goodbye to loved ones far too soon. The trauma and loss reverberate across entire neighborhoods. We must continue to take action at the state level to address the root causes of violent crime and support proven community-based solutions. Our focus must remain on keeping our neighborhoods safe and preventing these tragedies before they occur.” said Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter.
Today, we honor powerful stories of those who passed away from the epidemic of gun violence.
Turning grief into advocacy is no easy task, yet it is through these stories that we find purpose and push for change. The stories of Francesco and Justin are now a voice for safe firearm storage and conflict resolution through mediation, respectively. Together, through legislation, education, and de-escalation, we can build a safer future.” saidAssemblyman Khaleel Anderson.
“Every time we lose another life to gun violence, we’re not just losing a statistic, we’re losing a future, a family member, a friend, a dream. This is a nationwide crisis, but its impact is deeply personal. I’ve sat with grieving mothers, I’ve walked through neighborhoods forever changed, and I’ve seen the pain that lingers long after the headlines fade. We can’t become numb to this. We owe it to every victim and every survivor to fight for real, lasting change. Our communities deserve to feel safe—not someday, but now.” said AssemblywomanChantel Jackson.
“Even one death from gun violence is far too many. Alongside my colleagues in the BPHA caucus, I am always devoted to curbing gun violence in our communities and keeping New Yorkers safe. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on this issue and I look forward to our continued progress to reduce violence statewide.” said Senator Jeremy Cooney.
“Gun violence is personal to me. Too many families in Southeast Queens have felt the pain of losing a loved one, and I carry those stories with me every day in Albany. I’m proud to have organizations like 100 Suits and LifeCamp joining this year’s efforts — they are on the ground every day doing the real work of healing and prevention.
The BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee continues to play a critical role in creating space for legislators, advocates, and families to come together around real solutions. From the powerful memorial honoring lives lost to our roundtable discussions and press conference, this is more than a policy conversation — it’s a moral imperative. I encourage all organizations to stand with us as we fight for justice, safety, and lasting change in every corner of this state.” said Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman.
“During gun violence awareness month, it is important to recognize that one of the root causes of violence in our communities is historic underfunding. The communities with the most resources are the ones that thrive–that’s why I fought to secure Foundation Aid funding for our schools and funding for key anti-violence programs, including nearly $22 million for SNUG and $36.4 million for GIVE in this year’s enacted budget. I remain committed to investing in community-based solutions to keep New Yorkers safe.” said Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55).
“Gun violence continues to devastate communities across the state, especially in the South Bronx. Far too many lives have been cut short, and the urgency for action has never been greater. “Francesco’s Law (A1962B) represents meaningful progress in strengthening gun safety across New York. This law sets clear consequences for failing to safely store firearms around minors and prohibited individuals, while “A199A , regulates pistol converters and convertible pistols” closes a dangerous loophole by banning the possession and sale of pistol converters that can turn handguns into automatic weapons. My colleagues in the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus are united in prioritizing the safety of our communities and standing up for the lives of our constituents.” said Assemblywoman Emerita Torres
“Gun violence continues to plague communities across New York, impacting our youth, seniors, Black and Brown families, and too many innocent bystanders. I commend the BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee for taking proactive steps to confront this crisis. If we are serious about public safety, we must prioritize the lives of those most at risk and work together to end the cycle of violence once and for all.” said Senator James Sanders Jr.
“Gun violence is not just a crisis in our communities, it's a direct result of decades of disinvestment, easy access to weapons, and a failure to center healing. In Southeast Queens, we’ve seen the power of community-based solutions: credible messengers, youth programs, and mental health supports that interrupt violence before it happens. I stand with my colleagues in calling for real investments, not just in law enforcement, but in the people and programs that are saving lives every day. This is a public health emergency, and it demands a public health response”. Said NYS Senator Leroy Comrie.
“New York has some of the toughest gun safety laws in the country, yet gun violence continues to plague our communities,” said Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr., (AD – 80), “Despite the failure by our colleagues in Washington to curb this epidemic, we in the state legislature will never stop developing and implementing common sense solutions to make our communities safer. I commend my colleagues for being here and saying that enough is enough!”
"As we mark Gun Violence Awareness Month this June, I’m reminded that every statistic we cite represents a life lost, a family shattered, and a community forever changed," said State Senator Lea Webb. "Preventing gun violence isn’t about politics, it’s about protecting our children, our neighbors, and our future. We have a responsibility to come together and enact solutions that save lives and preserve the safety of every American."
“I grew up in Flatbush at a time when too many young people didn’t make it home because of gun violence. That experience shaped how I think about public safety, not just through enforcement but through prevention and care. Although gun violence is still present in my district and across New York City, the State Legislature continues to advance common-sense measures that move gun safety forward. I stand with my colleagues as we work to make sure that anyone who owns a gun has the basic training to use and store it safely. The legislation we are working on is not about taking rights away. It is about doing everything we can to protect lives and build safer communities.” said Assemblyman Brian Cunningham.
“Gun violence continues to rob our communities of their future and leave families in a state of permanent grief. As leaders, we cannot remain silent. We must be bold, united in purpose, and relentless in our efforts to end this epidemic. I stand with my colleagues in the BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee to demand change, uplift survivors, and ensure every New Yorker can live free from the threat of gun violence.” Said Assemblyman Al Taylor.
“Lives are cut short every day due to gun violence, destroying families and devastating communities. Tens of thousands of people die by gun violence every year in the United States, and it is pervasive in every state in the country. As state legislators, we continue to do our part to end the ongoing problem of gun violence. I’m fortunate to work alongside my BPHA Caucus colleagues and countless other advocates who work hard to make New York a safer state,” stated Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.