NY trying to reduce gun violence with new state agency

NY trying to reduce gun violence with new state agency

FILE - In this May 22, 2021, file photo officers from the NYPD firearm and tactical unit pack collection of illegal guns after a gun buyback event in Brooklyn, N.Y. Gun violence is on the rise across the country and law enforcement agencies are struggling with how to manage the spikes, especially in cities. The federal government has stepped in with strike forces and other measures help to stop the sale of illegal weapons. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, FIle)

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s governor appointed an administrator with a background in anti-poverty efforts and public health as the head of a new state agency that will try to curb gun violence. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that Calliana Thomas will direct the state’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Thomas previously worked on gun violence prevention programs during seven years with New York City’s health department and also worked for an institute affiliated with the Harlem Children’s Zone, a youth development group. The new state agency is within the state’s health department. Hochul said it will examine the drivers and effects of gun violence.

Photo: FILE – In this May 22, 2021, file photo officers from the NYPD firearm and tactical unit pack collection of illegal guns after a gun buyback event in Brooklyn, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, FIle)