NYC Shootings and Murders Hit Record Lows Through September

NYC Crime Hits Record Lows

New York City recorded the fewest shootings, shooting victims and murders in recorded history during the first nine months of 2026, according to the New York Police Department. Through September 30, the city recorded 489 shooting incidents, 594 shooting victims and 203 murders. Each figure represents a record low for the first nine months of a year. Shooting incidents were down 11.6% compared with the same period in 2025, when there were 553 incidents. Shooting victims declined 14.4%, from 694 last year to 594 this year. Murders dropped 19.8%, from 253 in 2025 to 203 in 2026. The decline is also significant compared with five years ago. During the first nine months of 2026, 846 fewer people were shot in New York City than during the same period in 2021.

Third Quarter Also Sets Records

The city continued to see historically low levels of violent crime during the third quarter, covering July through September. During those three months, there were 167 shooting incidents, 213 shooting victims and 73 murders. All three figures were the lowest recorded for a third quarter. Shooting incidents declined 22.7% compared with the same period last year, while shooting victims fell 28.3%. Murders were down 19.8%.

Major Crime Falls Across The City

Major crime also declined during the first nine months of 2026. There were 86,023 major crime incidents, compared with 92,057 during the same period in 2025, representing a 6.6% decrease. Every borough recorded a decline in major crime. The Bronx experienced the largest decrease, with major crime falling 11.9%. Robbery declined 12.2%, burglary dropped 13.7%, grand larceny fell 5.8% and grand larceny auto decreased 12.4%. However, not every category declined. Felony assaults increased slightly by 0.2%, while reported rapes increased 3.7%.

Thousands Of Guns Recovered

Police said more than 4,000 guns had been removed from New York City streets through the end of September. The NYPD reported recovering 4,100 firearms, including 257 ghost guns. Police also conducted 25 gang-related takedowns as part of efforts to address violent crime and illegal firearms. While the overall crime numbers show a significant decline, hate crimes remain a concern. The NYPD reported 463 confirmed hate crimes during the first nine months of 2026, an increase from 410 during the same period in 2025. Of those confirmed hate crimes, 245 were classified as anti-Jewish incidents. The crime statistics are preliminary and can be revised as additional information becomes available. Still, the latest numbers show New York City continuing to experience historically low levels of shootings and murders through the first three quarters of 2026.