Gun trace data report finds most Rochester crime guns originate from out of state while in-state sources continue to rise in share

Rochester, New York – A new gun trace data report has found that most illegal firearms recovered in Rochester continue to originate from outside New York State, highlighting ongoing interstate trafficking concerns even as local sources play a growing role.

The report, released by Brady United on behalf of the Evans Administration, examined nearly 2,000 crime guns recovered by the Rochester Police Department between 2022 and September 2025. It traced the firearms back to their first point of sale, including licensed gun dealers and privately manufactured “ghost guns.”

Officials say the findings reinforce a long-standing pattern of out-of-state supply, with two-thirds of recovered crime guns linked to dealers outside New York. The largest shares were traced to gun dealers in Ohio, Georgia, and Florida, underscoring the role of interstate networks in the flow of illegal firearms into the city.

“The pipeline of illegal guns flowing onto the streets or Rochester does not begin here, but the people of Rochester are paying the price,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Gun violence has dropped significantly over the past four-plus years, but it’s still too high. And there are still too many illegal guns on our streets.”

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While out-of-state sources remain dominant, the report also points to a noticeable shift within New York itself. Compared to a similar study released in 2023, the proportion of crime guns traced to in-state dealers has increased significantly, rising from one in five to one in three.

Much of that in-state supply, the report notes, is linked to dealers located within Monroe County. Officials say this trend is drawing increased attention from law enforcement and policymakers as they look to address both local and interstate sources of illegal firearms.

Another major concern highlighted in the report is the rise of so-called “ghost guns,” or un-serialized firearms that cannot be easily traced. The study found that an increasing number of these weapons are being privately manufactured, often using advanced tools such as 3D printers.

Prior to 2023, all ghost guns recovered by the Rochester Police Department were linked to parts kits sold by a single manufacturer. However, after that company was shut down in 2024 due to legal action, the landscape shifted. The report indicates that nearly half of recovered ghost guns are now being built independently by individuals rather than assembled from commercial kits.

Federal regulations required portions of the report to be redacted, including identifying details about specific gun stores and certain sources of supply. Even so, officials say the data provides a clearer picture of how firearms are entering Rochester and how trafficking patterns are evolving over time.

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Law enforcement leaders say the findings will be used to strengthen firearm violence reduction strategies in the city. By understanding where guns are coming from—whether across state lines, within local counties, or through private manufacturing—officials hope to target enforcement efforts more effectively.

The report comes as Rochester continues to grapple with illegal gun activity while also reporting a broader decline in gun violence over the past several years. City officials say the challenge now is sustaining that progress while addressing the changing dynamics of gun supply networks.

As investigations continue, the data is expected to guide future policy discussions at both the city and state level, particularly around regulation, enforcement coordination, and tracking of privately manufactured firearms.