According to recent data, the number of teen shooting victims and shooters has spiked since the state’s controversial law raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 took effect in 2018.
As of last week, 92 individuals under 18 had been shot to death this year, marking a staggering 96% increase compared to the 47 fatalities during the same timeframe in 2018. This change came after the law was fully implemented.
Also, there have been 92 teenage shooting victims this year, which reflects a 21% rise from 76 at this time last year, based on NYPD data through September 28.
Moreover, the statistics reveal a 143% increase in the number of teenage shooters, with 73 arrests made this year compared to 30 during the same period in 2018. This also represents a slight increase from the 71 arrests last year.
Interestingly, while overall mass shootings in New York City have decreased by 20% this year compared to 2024, teen shootings have notably surged. Overall shooting incidents have dropped by over 50% since 2020, according to the data.
“We need to raise the age somehow so that a shooter involved in a crime doesn’t just get a free pass,” said Chris Herman, a former NYPD supervisor and now an assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Herman expressed concerns about the desire for long-term remand for young offenders involved in gun-related crimes. “But politicians are unlikely to suggest building larger juvenile facilities,” he added.
Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kevin O’Connor highlighted a specific case involving 18-year-old Damien Calhoun, showcasing the real-world implications of the law. Calhoun, who was 17 at the time, was caught in crossfire while wearing an ankle monitor due to a previous attempted murder charge. He was arrested but released under the new law that limits bail options.
“This East Harlem incident is yet another example of the ongoing issues,” O’Connor remarked. “An 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to attempted murder gets released because of the Raise the Age law.” He criticized the system as a “revolving door.”
Following a violent exchange of gunfire with officers, both Calhoun and a 15-year-old boy, who was shot but remains unnamed due to his age, were arrested.
Additionally, the 15-year-old was familiar with the criminal system, having been charged with attempted murder in a prior incident. Police confirmed that two teens have been charged with attempted murder related to the recent shooting, with one being released on a $75,000 bail paid by his parents.
O’Connor also suggested that the policy of not disclosing the names of the youngest offenders needs to be revisited. “These crimes are serious; we need accountability,” he stated, emphasizing that the lack of transparency hampers oversight of the justice system.
Tragically, the gun violence continued on September 22, with 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel dying after being shot outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Cambria Heights, Queens. Another teenager was arrested in connection with that incident.
“This won’t just stop on its own,” O’Connor warned. “We’re risking more lives if we keep allowing these kids to go free without accountability.”
