Res 0681-2024

Whereas, Mass shootings are an alarming and persistent threat that profoundly impact the safety and security of New Yorkers; and Whereas, Despite efforts to prevent gun violence in New York through record-level investments and prevention measures, mass shootings continue to occur; and Whereas, New York Executive Law Chapter 18, Article 35, �835 defines "mass shooting" as an incident in which at least four people are murdered with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun, thereby limiting emergency response and victim support following incidents where multiple individuals are injured, but four people are not murdered; and Whereas, According to data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that defines a mass shooting as four or more people shot regardless of whether they were killed, under existing New York law, 99% of what many would consider to be mass shootings in the state over the past decade are not recognized by New York as mass shootings because they did not have the requisite amount of fatalities; and Whereas, Only three mass shootings in New York over the last decade would meet the State's current threshold of at least four fatalities, while 218 other incidents would not qualify because they do not have a high enough death toll; and Whereas, The consequences of mass shootings extend beyond fatalities, with survivors and families often facing long-term physical, emotional, and financial hardships; and Whereas, Victims of mass shooting incidents often lack access to the necessary resources and support for healing and recovery; and Whereas, The inclusion of individuals injured in mass shooting incidents is essential for a more comprehensive emergency response and access to necessary funding; and Whereas, S9904 sponsored by State Senator Zellnor Myrie seeks to redefine the term "mass shooting" as defined in Executive Law �835 to include both fatalities and injuries, thereby expanding access to emergency resources, response measures, and funding for affected individuals and communities; and Whereas, This State legislation would provide a more inclusive framework for identifying and responding to mass shootings, ensuring that all victims, regardless of the extent of their injuries, are eligible for vital support services; and Whereas, Ensuring that victims of gun violence, including those injured in mass shooting incidents, receive timely assistance is critical for community recovery and resilience; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.9904, in relation to in relation to defining the term mass shooting for purposes of emergency response measures and access to emergency funding. CMB LS#17733 10/10/24