New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

06/09/2026

Thought on Caption:
What does real safety look like in NYC?
Earlier this spring, NYAGV convened five leaders working at the intersection of gun violence prevention, public safety, and community justice to answer that question and to discuss our collective vision for new NYC Dept. of Community Safety. What came out of it deserves more than one post.
Real Safety is a new series for Gun Violence Awareness Month featuring some of the sharpest voices in NY’s safety conversation:
🔸 Leslie Allen, NYC Anti-Violence Project
🔸 Jarrell Daniels, Columbia Center for Justice
🔸 Rebecca Fischer, NYAGV
🔸 Daniela Gilbert, (formerly) Vera Institute of Justice and *now senior advisor, deputy mayor at NYC Dept of Community Safety 👏 👏
🔸 Peggy Herrera, Center for Community Alternatives
Follow along over the coming weeks for more from each of them.
Link in bio to watch the full panel.

06/04/2026

This week, I sat in the State Senate gallery with as we watched Francesco’s Law pass on the Senate floor. And I knew that even though was a moment of joy and relief, nothing we did there at the Capitol could bring Francesco back to Diana. The enduring grief of a parent who has lost their child never goes away. For that reason, we will always stand alongside survivors, listen to their needs, and keep on fighting for a safer NY and country.

05/14/2026

03/17/2026

Grateful to NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for making time to meet with , , and to discuss our top priority: Francesco’s Law.
This critical safe storage legislation would require gun owners to securely store fi****ms when not in use, including in homes with children, helping prevent unintentional shootings, youth su***de, and gun theft. It’s a simple, proven step that saves lives and keeps families safe.
Sign the petition (link in BIO) and join our campaign to keep New Yorkers safe from gun violence. 🧡

03/09/2026

We’ve been standing with survivors and advocates in Albany—including surviving mother Diana Cochran—fighting hard to pass a stronger safe storage law: Francesco’s Law.
When Diana’s son Francesco was in crisis at 17, he was able to access an unsecured gun and took his own life. No family should have to endure this preventable loss.
Even in a leading state like New York, gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children. That’s unacceptable.
We’ve been pushing hard in Albany—but we need your help.
Call your legislators and the Governor and urge them TODAY to pass Francesco’s Law (A.1962/S.3385).

02/25/2026

Dangerous political lies won’t save our kids. Action will.
While Trump takes false victory laps on crime, gun violence remains the leading cause of death for American children. We’re not waiting on Washington.
In New York, we’re fighting for real solutions.

📢 Support Francesco’s Law — stronger safe storage requirements. Real accountability. Real protection for families.
📞 Call your state legislators
✍️ Add your name to the petition for Francesco’s law
💻 Join us March 3 for a virtual conversation on building a safer NYC
(All links in bio!)
Our eyes are open.
Our voices are strong.
And we are not backing down.

02/24/2026

NYC deserves real safety. What could a Department of Community Safety make possible in New York City?
NYAGV is excited to co-host this powerful virtual conversation with the Vera Institute of Justice—bringing together policy leaders, organizers, and survivors to talk about gun violence intervention, restorative justice, and building safer communities from the ground up.
🗓 Tuesday, March 3, 2026
⏰ 6–8PM ET
💻 Live on Zoom (LINK IN BIO!)
Prevention over punishment.
Healing over harm.
Accountability that actually transforms lives.
Let’s break cycles of harm and build a safer, stronger NYC—for everyone.

02/20/2026

NYC deserves real safety. What could a Department of Community Safety make possible in New York City?

Join policy leaders, organizers, and survivors for a powerful conversation on gun violence intervention, restorative justice, and building safer communities from the ground up.
🗓 Tuesday, March 3, 2026
⏰ 6–8PM ET
💻 Live on Zoom (LINK IN BIO!)

Prevention over punishment.
Healing over harm.
Accountability that actually transforms lives.

Let’s break cycles of harm and build a safer, stronger NYC—for everyone.

02/12/2026

Today we honor a powerful step toward justice for the survivors, families, and the entire Buffalo community impacted by the racist mass shooting at Tops on May 14, 2022.

After years of courage and advocacy, secured a $1.75M settlement with Mean Arms and helped remove a dangerous firearm accessory from the market in New York — a meaningful victory rooted in accountability and prevention.

We are especially proud to have stood alongside — from Buffalo, to Albany, to NYC, and even at the White House — united in the fight for safer communities and in unwavering support of survivors. Her leadership and courage continue to move this work forward.

Thank you also to the commitment and vigilance of the Law Office of John V. Elmore, P.C., and to our national partners and for standing shoulder to shoulder with Buffalo in pursuit of justice.
Buffalo’s resilience is unmatched. Together, we continue turning pain into purpose — fighting for accountability, honoring those we lost, and building a future free from gun violence. 🖤✊🏾

01/27/2026

In these violent, polarized times, so many people feel helpless and in crisis. And when people feel powerless, some turn to a gun for protection or control—even though guns dramatically increase the risk of su***de, mass shootings, community violence, and unintentional tragedy.

👉 TAKE ACTION NOW: sign the petition (link in bio) urging New York State legislators to pass Francesco’s Law for Safe Gun Storage in 2026.

Francesco was just 17 years old when he died by su***de after accessing an unsecured shotgun. He had been relentlessly bullied for being bisexual. Like so many firearm su***des, his death was impulsive—and preventable. A strong safe gun storage law could have saved his life.

Safe gun storage laws work. They create a critical barrier between moments of crisis and irreversible harm—especially for kids and teens.

✍️ By signing, you’re honoring Francesco’s memory and helping protect young people across New York. We owe it to him. And to every family who deserves safety at home.