ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Mayor Lovely Warren is addressing the recent spike in violence in Rochester over the last few months.

There have been more than double the number of homicides compared to the same time last year.

Warren blames the availability of illegal guns and pandemic stress. She's calling on those with disputes to de-escalate the situation before it turns violent.

"Taking a life is not worth it, that's because you're taking a person, a loved one from a child, from a mother, from a father and we all have to be each other's keeper. When I say that I mean treat people the way you want to be treated. And so I don't want anyone to experience the loss of life," said Warren.

Rochester police have been tracking crime data and stepping up patrols in specific areas of the city in an effort to combat the issue.