As summer heats up, so does the spike in gun violence. With the gun violence state of emergency still in effect in Rochester, the ongoing issue of addressing gun violence within communities remains a top priority.

However, a new partnership between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rochester Police Department aims to curb the impact of gun-related crimes and make progress toward ensuring community safety.

What You Need To Know

  • Partnership between ATF and Rochester Police Department aims to combat rising gun violence in Rochester

  • 24-hour access to ATF agents enhances efforts to ensure community safety and reduce gun-related crimes

  • U.S. Attorney's Office charges approximately 100 defendants with federal gun crimes, resulting in the removal of more than 100 illegal firearms from the community

The ATF and local law enforcement have joined forces to tackle the alarming rise in illegal firearms and combat gun violence. By establishing a partnership, they aim to have 24-hour access to ATF agents who will actively work towards reducing gun violence within the city.

Trini Ross, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, emphasized the importance of partnership in dealing with gun violence. Through collaborative efforts between the ATF, local law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the aim is to create a safe and secure environment for residents of Rochester, particularly during the summer months.

"We are all partnering and ensuring that the summer months in the city of Rochester are safer for law-abiding citizens who want to enjoy the summer, want to go to parks, play with their children, have cookouts, sit on their porches, enjoy the nice weather without having to be worried about a stray bullet or someone coming and harming them throughout the summer months," said Ross.

To enhance their fight against violent crime, the ATF has set up a field office in Rochester. This allows for swift action when a firearms arrest meets federal standards. Once an arrest is made, ATF duty agents are promptly contacted, who then reach out to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The cases are reviewed immediately, ensuring that federal gun crimes are addressed promptly and effectively.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says it has achieved significant progress in combating gun violence in Rochester. Approximately 100 defendants have been charged with federal gun crimes, leading to the removal of more than 100 illegal firearms from the community.

The office says these results indicate a reduction in the volume of gun violence, providing families with not only a safe summer but also a safe place to live.