NYPD reports 23% decline in murders and shootings in New York City during the first half of the year.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported a significant decline in crime across the city for the first half of 2025, demonstrating a 23% reduction in murders and a 24% decrease in shooting victims compared to the same period the previous year. These reductions mark a continuation of a trend towards lower crime rates in New York City, with officials indicating that the early months of 2025 reflect crime levels not seen in over three decades.

From January 1 to June 30, the NYPD investigated 146 homicides, which is 44 fewer than the first six months of 2024. Additionally, the number of individuals shot during this time dropped to 397, down by 125 compared to the same timeframe last year. At a press conference held at Police Headquarters, NYPD officials noted that the first six months of 2025 saw the lowest recorded number of shooting victims and incidents in history. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that these reductions stem from a strategic and relentless approach by NYPD officers.

Other crime categories also saw notable decreases. Reports indicated a 13% decline in robberies and a 3% drop in transit crimes. However, felony assaults slightly decreased by only 1%, primarily due to increases in domestic assaults and attacks on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and police.

Contrasting with the overall positive trend, sexual assault cases rose by 20%, attributed largely to legislative changes made in the previous year that expanded the legal definition of rape to include additional forms of sexual assault.

Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the importance of implementing both proactive and reactive programs to address crime when he took office in 2022. He remarked on the progress made, pointing to the significant reductions in homicide rates and the improvement in safety experienced by residents.

Brooklyn, in particular, experienced a notable decline in crime, with 41 homicides recorded in the first six months of 2025, a reduction of 29% from the previous year. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez applauded the ongoing efforts, stating that these declines save lives and alleviate suffering among families.

Officials attributed these promising trends to the NYPD’s Summer Violence Reduction Plan initiated in May, which strategically allocated over 1,500 uniformed officers to high-crime areas during peak violence times. Law enforcement also conducted significant gang-related operations, resulting in the arrest of 322 gang members and associates.

The NYPD’s data-driven approach to crime reduction and public safety initiatives has shown tangible results. With the goal of continuing to improve safety for all New Yorkers, the department remains committed to developing innovative strategies to combat crime in the city.

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