“As we enter Gun Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded of the toll that firearms continue to take in our communities,” said District Attorney Bragg. “There are far too many people grieving due to gun violence, and we have an urgent responsibility to use every tool at our disposal to get guns off our streets. That includes direct investments in neighborhoods, collaboration with community partners and coordination with other members of law enforcement. I am pleased that this comprehensive approach has begun to lead to a steady reduction in homicides and shootings in Manhattan, but we have a lot more work to do, and I look forward to taking part in these events with my fellow New Yorkers.”

“Combatting gun violence in our communities remains my top priority as District Attorney, and that mission becomes all the more important as we head into the summer months,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Prosecutions alone cannot solve our youth gun crisis: we need to engage young, at-risk New Yorkers, meet them where they are, and give them positive ways to spend their time, earn money, and connect with their neighbors. We were inspired to see so many young people engaged in positive programming last summer and look forward to building on that work. Please spread the word and encourage your local community-based organizations to apply!”

“The ten community-based organizations receiving funding today are essential threads in the fabric of public safety. They have all demonstrated their capacity to reach young people at high risk of involvement in gun violence and steer them toward a better path,” said D.A. Bragg.

“As we head into the summer – when gun violence spikes each year – it’s more important than ever to incentivize our young people to stay away from gun violence,” said District Attorney Bragg.