Letitia James emphasizes her commitment to prioritizing public safety as Attorney General.

The role of the New York Attorney General has been pivotal in safeguarding the rights and safety of families throughout the state. Since taking office in 2019, the current attorney general has focused on public safety and has actively addressed issues of discrimination and hate, particularly targeting antisemitism affecting the Jewish community in New York.

Under this leadership, significant strides have been made to combat rising instances of hatred. A notable action involved halting a business in Rockland County from charging Jewish customers disproportionate fees ahead of the Passover holiday. Additionally, discriminatory housing practices against Hasidic families in Orange County were successfully challenged. The attorney general emphasized that protecting the Jewish community is a shared responsibility and must not rest solely on the community itself.

The office has also taken a strong stance against illegal gun trafficking and drug distribution, collaborating closely with local and state law enforcement. Recent operations led to the conviction of 13 individuals involved in a major trafficking network, which resulted in the seizure of 74 firearms, including assault weapons and ghost guns. Furthermore, efforts to break up a heroin and fentanyl trafficking operation in the Capital Region were successful, as were initiatives targeting drug traffickers in Queens.

In addressing public safety, preventive measures have also been prioritized. The community gun buyback program, initiated by the attorney general’s office, has recovered over 10,500 firearms since 2019, providing a safe and responsible means for New Yorkers to surrender weapons. This initiative highlights the belief that effective public safety strategies must encompass both rigorous enforcement and proactive prevention efforts.

Protecting youth in the digital landscape has been another focal point. The attorney general has championed the SAFE for Kids Act, seeking to limit addictive features on social media platforms that can be particularly harmful to minors. This legislative effort underscores a commitment to ensuring the safety of children online. Additionally, a landmark agreement with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, resulted in substantial financial penalties and reforms aimed at curtailing practices known to jeopardize the well-being of children and teenagers.

In a landscape marked by political challenges, the attorney general’s office has defended New Yorkers against federal actions perceived as detrimental. Notably, legal battles were waged to safeguard crucial funding for counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts, successfully restoring nearly million allocated for public transit safety amidst attempts at funding cuts.

As the election season approaches, the attorney general seeks re-election, asserting a continued commitment to public safety, equality, and the protection of New Yorkers’ rights. The call for another term is framed by a promise to maintain the same level of courage and dedication that has defined their tenure, underscoring a deep-rooted commitment to the state’s families.

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