New York has become the first US state to declare a disaster emergency in order to address gun violence.
The state saw 51 shootings over the 4 July holiday weekend, Governor Andrew Cuomo said as he signed an executive order.
Governor Cuomo's state disaster declaration describes gun violence as a public health crisis, and made several comparisons to the Covid pandemic and the resulting public health response.
The directive will funnel $138.7m (£100m) towards gun violence intervention and prevention programmes.
It comes amid reports of a rise in gun deaths countrywide, including almost 200 over the weekend.
US President Joe Biden unveiled a White House strategy to combat the rise in homicides in late June.
The move included curtailing rogue gun dealers and firearms trafficking and also delegates more funding for personnel such as law enforcement.
"If you look at the recent numbers, more people are now dying from gun violence and crime than Covid," Democratic governor Mr Cuomo said.
"Just like we did with Covid, New York is going to lead the nation once again with a comprehensive approach to combating and preventing gun violence."
