Suffolk County is seeing an increase in gun violence in 2025 compared to the same time last year, according to new stats from the state.
According to the data, there have been eight deadly shootings in Suffolk so far this year, compared to one this time last year.
There have also been 20 shooting-related injuries this year compared to 14 last year.
Neighbors say they're concerned and have even heard shots being fired in their community.
"I heard a gun go off, there was police at 1 a.m., I had just given birth it was crazy, and it was so scary because it was right outside my window," said Rachel Budhram, of Bay Shore.
Suffolk police responded to the new data saying that last year there was a "historic low in shootings," and while there is an uptick this year, police say shootings are down 55% compared to four years ago.
Anti-gun violence advocate Viscel Moore, from North Amityville, says there are efforts being made at the local level to keep communities safer.
"Keeping the kids busy, getting them interested in things, so they don't gravitate to some of those things and then become an issue later in life," said Moore.
Moore says civic groups and the police work to spread awareness, as well as provide youth programs to help kids make good choices.
Suffolk police say they dedicate additional patrols in areas with high levels of gang violence.
The report from New York state shows shootings in Nassau County are down this year compared to this time last year.