New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday (21) that shootings and homicides have decreased in the city over the past year, although there has been an overall increase in crime.
Data from the New York Police Department shows that since January, NYC has recorded a drop of more than 17% in shootings and a drop of more than 12% in homicides. However, a report on crime statistics from the NYPD also notes that as of December 18, overall crime in major categories (including murder, rape, robbery, assault, theft, and burglary) has increased by 23.5% since last year.
“Public safety is the foundation of the city… it is the prerequisite for prosperity,” Adams said at a press conference at City Hall. “My top priority will always be to improve the safety of the city. Everything else will be built upon it… New York remains the safest big city in America. In 2023, we will make this city safer,” he added.
This year also marked the highest number of gun seizures in the last 27 years, with the NYPD seizing nearly 7,000 firearms, according to Adams.