: Shooting incidents in early 2026 tied the all-time low of 139 set in 2025, which the NYPD already considered the safest year on record for gun violence.
New York City’s narrative on murder has shifted dramatically from the record-breaking violence of the 1990s to the unprecedented lows achieved in early 2026. While high-profile incidents continue to capture public attention and shape perceptions of safety, current data paints a picture of a city reaching historic milestones in crime reduction. 1. Historic Declines in 2025 and 2026
The Changing Face of Public Safety: Homicide Trends in New York City