Hochul Orders Expanded State Police Patrols at New York Schools

In response to the recent school shooting in Texas that left 21 people dead, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed New York State Police to increase their presence at schools statewide.

On Wednesday morning, Hochul announced she had convened an emergency meeting with state police leaders to review security measures and ensure schools are as safe as possible. She said troopers will now make daily visits to schools through the end of the academic year.

Some districts had already seen stepped-up patrols in recent months. In Broome County, both state police and sheriff’s deputies have maintained a heightened presence at Susquehanna Valley schools following the May 14th mass shooting at a Buffalo Tops supermarket. Authorities reported that ten people were killed and three others injured in that attack, which officials say was carried out by an 18-year-old from Conklin who drove three hours to the grocery store in a racially motivated assault.

During her remarks, Hochul criticized the ease with which the suspect obtained the weapon used in Buffalo.

“An 18-year-old can buy an AR-15 without a license," she said. “I’m going to work with the legislature to change that.”

Investigators confirmed the gunman had legally purchased the semi-automatic rifle from a store in Endicott.

Hochul also highlighted New York’s strong gun regulations but emphasized the need for a broader approach.

“New York state has the toughest gun laws in the nation,” she said. “But there’s a need for a nationwide response.”

Hochul Orders Expanded State Police Patrols at New York Schools