Record drop in NYC shootings, killings but youth gun violence still plagues city, NYPD says

A record drop in shootings and murders in New York City is largely the result of a concerted effort that has removed 2,000 firearms so far in 2026 from the streets in all five boroughs, city officials said Friday.

At a news conference with city prosecutors and federal officials, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said police and investigators plan to keep up the pressure on gun trafficking in the summer months, traditionally a time when violent crime spikes in the city.

“Through the first five months of this year, New York City has seen the fewest murders, the fewest shooting incidents and the fewest shooting victims in recorded history," Tisch said, referring to the modern record-keeping era that began in 1994.

“And in public housing, the first five months of this year saw the lowest number of shooting incidents, shooting victims, murders and robberies in recorded history," the commissioner added.

The result, Tisch said, stemmed from targeting the drivers of violence and the seizure of guns.

“Because every gun recovered represents a ... shooting that may never happen," she said.

But while Tisch touted the success of gun seizures, she acknowledged a continuing crime problem with city youth, who she said account for a significant portion of shootings. While Tisch didn’t give a number, previous estimates from law enforcement put the figure at about 40% of shootings.

Last year some 5,200 guns were seized, Tisch said. 

During the four-year tenure of former Mayor Eric Adams, officials said police seized some 25,000 firearms.

The weapons seized this year were on display Friday and included nearly four dozen firearms, ranging from small derringer-style handguns to assault rifles, revolvers and shotguns.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said despite major violence reductions in the borough, the situation is still fluid.

“Unfortunately, in the Bronx, we are tragically and sadly aware of gun violence every month, nearly every day," Clark said, adding the number of shootings carried out by youth was “heartbreaking."

In a recent gun trafficking case, Clark said suspects had sold guns at a playground.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.