Bronx Councilman Kevin Riley joins “In Focus” to discuss the gun violence crisis and how he’s protecting those in his district. He was born and raised in the borough and now represents District 12.

The Bronx has the highest percentage of shootings in the second quarter of this year, according to the NYPD, making up 34% of shootings. Riley explains what needs to be done on both a local and federal level to combat this gun epidemic. 

The NYPD has recovered at least 180 guns this year — a 181% increase from the same time last year. According to the CDC, teens are more likely to carry guns if they’ve experienced violence, had suicidal thoughts or used illegal drugs and alcohol. As a member of the City Council’s committee on youth services, Riley discusses how they’re working to ensure the city’s youth are not falling into the cracks of gangs and gloried street violence.

According to the NYPD, youth perpetrators make up 14% of all arrests in New York City. As the co-chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, Riley explains how they’re working to create unity and stop the generational cycle of gun violence in marginalized communities. He also discusses the Hood Caucus and the work it’s doing to prioritize the voices of those most impacted by gun violence.