ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin was in Rochester on Wednesday to host a roundtable discussion on gun violence.

The city of Rochester has dealt with a historic level of violent crimes.

There were 81 homicides in 2021, with arrests made in 41 of those killings, Interim Police Chief David Smith said earlier this year. The city has seen a string of murders and arrests for firearms-related offenses in the past week.

Benjamin said in addition to getting illegal guns off the streets, it's important to provide job opportunities to young people.

"Remember [that] the process matters,” Benjamin said. “Remember it is clear to understand who you are dealing with and how they can engage. We need to engage people who are presently not involved in the system. The only way we can do that is by bringing ourselves down and not being arrogant enough to think that we know all the answers, and talking to people who are looking to assist and creating structures that are systemic."

Benjamin added that the city school district and community organizations have a big part to play in anti-violence initiatives, something he says will be better funded with this year's state budget.