New York City’s Historic Crime Reduction in 2025: A Celebration with Political Undertones
New York City ended 2025 with historic reductions in gun violence, marking the lowest levels in the city’s recorded history according to data released by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and newly inaugurated Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In a triumphant announcement on Tuesday, they revealed that shootings had dropped to unprecedented lows, with just 688 total incidents – a remarkable 10% improvement over the previous record set in 2018. This achievement stands in stark contrast to cities like Chicago and Philadelphia, which recorded 1,400 and 825 shootings respectively, despite having significantly smaller populations than New York. The number of shooting victims also fell to a historic low of 856, representing a 5% decrease from the previous record and a dramatic 22% reduction compared to 2024. December 2025 closed the year with the fewest shootings ever recorded in a single month since the NYPD began tracking such statistics.
The citywide safety improvements were consistent across all five boroughs, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic policing initiatives. Commissioner Tisch emphasized the magnitude of this success, noting, “Compared to 2021, 1,021 fewer people were shot in New York City in 2025. These are not incremental gains—they are historic outcomes.” The subway system also experienced its safest year in 16 years (outside of the COVID pandemic), with a 4% drop in major subway crime compared to 2024, including a 12.5% decrease in robberies and an impressive 62.5% reduction in subway shootings. Overall, nearly every major felony category saw decreases, led by a 20% reduction in murders. Only two categories showed increases: rape incidents rose by 16%, which Tisch attributed to changes in legal definitions, and felony assaults ticked up marginally by 0.4%.
What made the announcement particularly noteworthy was the conspicuous absence of any mention of former Mayor Eric Adams, who had presided over the city during this period of dramatic crime reduction. Despite the crime statistics representing a significant achievement during Adams’ administration, neither Tisch, Mamdani, nor Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged his role in the public presentation. This omission appeared deliberate, especially considering that both officials credited crime-fighting strategies that were developed during Adams’ tenure. The snub comes as little surprise given Adams’ departure from office amid various scandals, which had overshadowed many of his administration’s successes in public safety.
The crime reduction had served as a rare bright spot in Adams’ troubled mayoralty, and the continuation of this positive trend presented a delicate political situation for Mayor Mamdani. During his campaign, Mamdani had faced questions about whether he could maintain these safety improvements, particularly in light of his previous critical statements about policing. To address these concerns, he made the strategic decision to retain Commissioner Tisch despite their differing policy perspectives. At the announcement, Mamdani carefully navigated this political terrain, stating, “These are numbers and accomplishments to be celebrated, and as the commissioner said, they are also ones to be built on, because we will not rest until we make this the safest city it can be.” His comments emphasized future progress while avoiding direct acknowledgment of his predecessor’s contributions.
Commissioner Tisch, when questioned about potential changes to the NYPD’s approach under the new administration, indicated that major shifts in strategy were unlikely. “We’re always going to look for ways to sharpen and refine,” she remarked, “but I think it’s very clear that our approach in particular to violent crime in New York City, and to subway crime in New York City has led to historic results and I don’t have any changes on the top of my head that I could think of at this time.” This statement suggests a continuation of policies established under Adams, even as the new administration seeks to distance itself from him politically. The decision to maintain existing strategies reflects a pragmatic acknowledgment of their effectiveness, regardless of who initially implemented them.
The historic crime reduction represents a significant achievement for New York City, one that transcends political transitions and personal rivalries. For everyday New Yorkers, the statistics translate into tangible improvements in quality of life and personal safety. The dramatic decrease in shootings means over a thousand fewer victims of gun violence compared to just four years earlier. Safer subways have restored confidence in public transportation, while overall reductions in major crimes have enhanced the city’s reputation and livability. As the Mamdani administration takes the reins, they inherit a positive trajectory in public safety—a foundation upon which they can build, even as they navigate the complex political dynamics of acknowledging successes that began under a predecessor they prefer not to credit. The challenge ahead will be maintaining and building upon these gains while implementing their own vision for the city’s future, ensuring that New York’s status as America’s safest large city continues to strengthen in the years to come.
