Albany Nonprofit SNUG Holds Shooting Response Gathering

SNUG aims to spread awareness and reduce gun violence in the community

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:36am

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In response to three recent teen shootings in Albany, the anti-violence nonprofit SNUG held a gathering on Morris Street to spread awareness and offer support services to victims and their families. SNUG staff members handed out flyers, talked to community members, and led chants to end gun violence.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to be a pressing issue in Albany, with three teens injured in shootings over the past month. SNUG's efforts to engage the community, provide victim services, and address the root causes of violence are crucial to reducing these incidents and their traumatic impact.

The details

SNUG, an anti-violence program, organized the gathering on Morris Street in Albany to respond to the recent shootings. SNUG staff members stood at the intersection, handing out flyers, talking to people about the shootings, and leading chants to end gun violence. The organization offers a range of services to victims and their families, including counseling, social work support, and even practical assistance like replacing confiscated items. SNUG also works to keep youth engaged and off the streets to steer them in a more positive direction.

  • Three teens have been injured in shootings in Albany in the last month.
  • The gathering took place on Tuesday evening.

The players

Brendan Cox

Albany Police Chief, who stated that gun violence in Albany is going down but any incident is still a problem.

James Chestnut

SNUG Troy Program Manager, who said that gun violence spreads and can create traumatizing impacts for communities.

Cheryl Morris

SNUG Albany Program Manager, who said SNUG reaches out to victims and their families to offer support, and coordinates community events to keep youth engaged.

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What they’re saying

“I certainly will never accept a teenager being shot. That to me is something that we have to make sure we address from all angles.”

— Brendan Cox, Albany Police Chief

“It really affects everybody. It's a disease.”

— James Chestnut, SNUG Troy Program Manager

“There's no cookie cutter, it depends on what the families needs are.”

— Cheryl Morris, SNUG Albany Program Manager

What’s next

The Albany Police Department will continue to investigate the recent shootings, and SNUG will maintain its efforts to provide support services and engage the community to address the root causes of gun violence.

The takeaway

SNUG's community-based approach to reducing gun violence, which includes victim support, youth engagement, and raising awareness, is crucial in Albany where recent teen shootings have had a traumatic impact. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement and nonprofits like SNUG are key to comprehensively addressing this public safety issue.