NEW YORK CITY, July 02, 2025 – New York City is on track to record the fewest number of shooting victims in 30 years, with murders also hitting record lows in the first half of 2025, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. Speaking at a podium adorned with the “Preventing Gun Violence” sign, the Governor hailed the milestone as a testament to the state’s ongoing efforts to combat gun violence.
On Monday, Governor Hochul codified the Office of Gun Violence Prevention into law, a move she described as a critical step forward.
“No matter how much progress we make, there’s still more work to do,” she stated, emphasizing the office’s role in sustaining the downward trend in gun-related crime. The legislation follows a year where the NYPD seized over 2,265 illegal guns, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted enforcement efforts.
However, the announcement has sparked debate. The codification aligns with the national rollout of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025, which critics argue represents federal overreach, particularly with its mandate for DOJ coordination and a $55 million budget for education campaigns. Some skeptics point to reports indicating New York submitted only 24% of shooting incidents to the FBI in 2025, raising questions about the accuracy of the reported crime drop.
Adding to the complexity, the decline in shootings coincides with increased actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deport violent illegal immigrants, despite resistance from state authorities. This has led some to suggest that federal immigration enforcement, rather than state policies, may be a key factor in the reduced crime rates.
Historical NYPD data reveals a trend of underreported crime in recent years, further fueling discussions about the reliability of current statistics. As New York celebrates this apparent progress, the interplay of local enforcement, federal policies, and data reporting practices continues to shape the narrative around the city’s safety.