Gov. Murphy says crime declined in New Jersey in 2025
“Our ultimate goal is zero shootings, zero violent crimes, zero needless deaths, and we will keep working doggedly to reach it,” Murphy said.
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Gov. Phil Murphy says crime declined across New Jersey in 2025, with historic lows in gun crime and drops in vehicle thefts.
Murphy highlighted the progress during a press conference held Tuesday morning, noting that the state recorded fewer than 600 shooting victims last year.
“It is with great pride that I can report for the third straight year. New Jersey has recorded its lowest number of shootings on record,” Murphy said.
State officials say that data shows 559 people were shot statewide in 2025, which is a 28% decrease from 2024 and only the second time the number has fallen below 1,000 since statewide tracking began back in 2009.
“Yours truly said, getting below a 1,000 shootings in a year was impossible. But we did it, and then we went further nearly cutting that number in half,” Murphy added.
Of those shot, 107 people died, a 31% drop from the previous year. Major cities also saw significant improvements, including Paterson.
“Paterson had 42 people shot last year. The year before we went into Paterson was 127,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
Murphy also noted a decline in vehicle thefts, which fell 9% statewide. Officials credited the progress to partnerships across government, law enforcement, and community organizations.
“This is real progress,” Platkin added.
Despite the improvements, state leaders emphasized that more work remains.
“Our ultimate goal is zero shootings, zero violent crimes, zero needless deaths, and we will keep working doggedly to reach it,” Murphy said.
