Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg talks gun violence prevention efforts, new law targeting 3D-printed guns
News 12 sat down with Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to discuss trends he's seeing across New York City, including the growing threat of ghost guns, which are firearms that can be assembled without serial numbers and, in some cases, made using 3D printers.
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June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg says reducing gun violence requires both enforcement and prevention.
News 12 sat down with Bragg to discuss trends he's seeing across New York City, including the growing threat of ghost guns, which are firearms that can be assembled without serial numbers and, in some cases, made using 3D printers.
"We have seen for the past few years a real increase in ghost guns," Bragg said. "So ghost guns are, you know, non-serialized guns."
A new law set to take effect in New York would require 3D printers sold in the state to not be able to print guns. Bragg is working with the state and 3D printer manufacturers on this legislation. It would require 3D printers in the state to be sold with technology that would block the printing of guns.
Bragg says one of the biggest challenges in combating gun violence was ensuring communication between agencies. But now that's not the case.
"There have been times and issues where you sort of have silos or a lack of communication on guns," Bragg said. "For the past several years, through the gun violence strategic partnership, we've knocked those silos down."
In addition to enforcement efforts, Bragg's office is providing grants to community organizations focused on preventing youth gun violence through programs such as art, music and mentoring initiatives.
"You go, and you talk to youth who've recorded anti-violence lyrics in a recording studio or who've done a mural with an anti-violence message or hosted a podcast, and that affects others in the community," Bragg said.
Bragg is also hosting a citywide gun buyback program Saturday, where people can anonymously turn in firearms in exchange for gift cards. He says community partnerships and prevention programs remain critical to keeping gun violence numbers moving in the right direction.
