Report: Shootings up in Suffolk, down in Nassau
A new report released by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office shows data on shooting incidents from 2024 to 2025.
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New data from Gov. Kathy Hochul's office shows shooting incidents are down in Nassau but up in Suffolk.
According to the report, there were 32 shooting incidents in Suffolk from January to November of 2025.
During that time in 2024, there were 24 shooting incidents.
"I'm so in shock to tell you the truth. Wow. Does it make me feel less safe, just a little," says Amityville resident Donna Marie Small.
Kevin Catalina, Suffolk police commissioner, told News 12 the goal is to get those numbers to zero.
"2019, even pre-COVID, we are lower this year than we were then and last year was just historic lows in homicides and shootings," says Catalina.
He says there's no cause for concern and they're going to continue to do everything they can to prevent gun violence.
In Nassau, there were five shooting incidents from January to November 2025, according to the report. During that time in 2024, there were nine shooting incidents.
"There was one here in Hempstead just recently. A young lady was killed unfortunately due to gun violence," says Hempstead resident Joseph Vailes.
"Less shootings is a wonderful thing. Less crime is a wonderful thing," says Roslyn resident Greg Berger.
State officials say the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative (GIVE) has been a big help with reducing the number of shootings statewide. The program covers equipment, overtime, personnel costs and training.
Karina Singh with the Keep The Peace Foundation says more needs to be done.
"We have to work with all the cities and the counties and different states because gun violence is a virus," says Singh.
Keep The Peace works raises awareness on gun violence and educates kids.
She says her message applies to adults too.
"Educate them on gun violence and also educate them and saying to them what happens next if you put a gun in your hand," says Singh.
