This year has seen a significant decline in gun violence in New York City, reaching an all-time low.
Recent police data indicates that from January to July 2025, there were 412 shootings resulting in 489 victims. This marks a substantial drop from the previous records set in 2017 and 2018, where the numbers were 426 shootings and 522 victims.
Going back to when the NYPD started tracking this information in 1993, the figures were much higher, with 3,114 shootings and 3,451 casualties.
“Typically, summer poses a real challenge for public safety, but the success we’re celebrating today shows that under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are not just keeping safe but also improving the situation,” the authorities commented.
This downward trend comes as Mayor Eric Adams seeks to bolster his re-election campaign, emphasizing public safety as a core issue.
Crime rates spiked after Adams took office in 2022 during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, numbers have been steadily declining locally and nationwide as the pandemic becomes a distant memory.
According to NYPD statistics, major crimes reported within the first seven months have decreased consistently over the last three years. In his first year, 72,369 crimes were recorded, while this year, as of July 31, there was a 5% decrease from 2021, totaling 68,740 index crimes.
While these low crime statistics are encouraging, it’s important to note they are still higher than the 53,089 index crimes reported in the same period before 2019.
Index crimes encompass serious offenses, including murder, rape, and robbery, among others.
July also marked the tenth consecutive month where major crime decreased, showing a 5.6% drop compared to the previous year, according to the data.
In a significant highlight, gun violence and casualties for July were recorded at their lowest levels, with 75 shootings and 92 victims. Historically, the records previously set in July 2017 were 79 shootings and 102 casualties.
“This follows the safest weekend for gun violence ever recorded,” remarked NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
However, this positive trend was marred by a tragic mass shooting on July 28, where four individuals were killed, including an NYPD officer.
Statistical reports indicate a notable decline in major felonies for July when compared to the same month in 2024. For instance, robbery saw a 7.5% decrease, felony assaults dropped by 8.2%, and overall robbery decreased by 14.2%.
Interestingly, murders have decreased by 49%, making this July the safest on subways, excluding the two pandemic years, according to Tisch.
Yet, it’s noteworthy that incidents of rape have risen, with a 33% increase, as 193 rapes were reported citywide in July compared to the previous year. The NYPD attributed this rise to recent state laws passed in September 2024 that expanded the legal definition of rape.
