Project Exile: Thousands of illegal weapons taken over 25-year span in Rochester

Project Exile, a program aimed at reducing gun violence and illegal weapon use in Rochester, has removed thousands of illegal firearms from the streets over its 25-year span. Law enforcement leaders and community members gathered in Fairport to discuss the initiative’s progress and its impact on public safety.

Founded with the support of Gary Mervis, the creator of Camp Good Days, Rochester became the second city in the U.S. to implement Project Exile. The initiative emphasizes community engagement and prevention, with law enforcement actively seeking residents’ input to address local concerns.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter highlighted the importance of outreach efforts, stating, “The key here is prevention… we’re knocking on doors, we’re letting people know we care, and we’re looking for their concerns.”

Mayor Malik Evans shared encouraging statistics, reporting a 35% decrease in homicides and a 34% reduction in shooting incidents compared to 2023. These results demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of Project Exile in improving public safety in Rochester.

Source: Rochester First