NYPD: NYC sees lowest shootings and murders on record for first half of 2026
While 2026 is only halfway complete, city officials say the latest crime statistics show significant progress in public safety.
New York City recorded its lowest number of shootings and murders for the first six months of 2026, according to the NYPD.
While 2026 is only halfway complete, city officials say the latest crime statistics show significant progress in public safety.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch continues to credit the department’s precision policing strategy for the decline in violent crime across the five boroughs.
According to NYPD data, shootings have dropped dramatically over the last five years. During the first six months of 2021, the city recorded 737 shooting incidents. In comparison, there have been 322 shootings reported during the first half of 2026.
Brooklyn has also seen a historic decrease in homicides, with murders reaching an all-time low, according to police.
The decline extends beyond shootings and homicides. NYPD officials say major crime categories, including burglaries, robberies, and felony assaults, have also decreased citywide.
Still, some residents remain skeptical of the numbers.
“I know they wish it were down, but is it actually that much down? I don’t think it’s gone down,” one resident said.
Another resident said crime appears relatively controlled in Canarsie, but added there is always uncertainty.
“I can only speak for Canarsie and I think it’s fairly good, but you never know if people are up to mischief," the resident said.
Others said they would like to see more evidence supporting the statistics.
“I would like to see the statistics to verify that," said one Canarsie resident. "Anything could be said, but to prove it is another thing.”
The announcement comes despite two recent homicides in New York City this week. A 24-year-old woman was shot and killed inside her apartment, while a 24-year-old man was fatally shot in Coney Island. Both incidents occurred after the period covered by the latest crime data.
