Critics in Orange County are questioning the reasons behind a spike in gun violence that prompted Gov. Andrew Cuomo to issue a state of emergency this week.

Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler says increased crime is due to bail reform, discovery reform and anti-police rhetoric, not COVID-19 and illegal gun trafficking.

Hoovler called the governor’s seven-point plan to combat the rise in gun violence “window dressing,” and says some of the directives are already being done.

“We are building this magic wall in New York to stop guns from coming in. Well, the fact is that the vast majority of guns we’re recovering...they’re well over 10 years old," says Hoovler.

Cuomo says New York saw a spike in gun violence shortly after the coronavirus pandemic began, which was also two months into bail reform.

News 12 reached out to Cuomo’s office for comment.  It said in response, "That entire argument is disingenuous -- rising gun violence is an issue in cities in many states that have not touched their bail laws.”