New York City Reports Record Low Shooting Incidents in First Half of 2025 Amidst Public Safety Push

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to public safety, underscoring it as the city's paramount obligation. His remarks, made on July 18, 2025, highlight significant progress in crime reduction across the five boroughs, including achieving the lowest number of shooting incidents in the city's recorded history for the first half of the year.

Mayor Adams, a former police officer, has consistently prioritized a "tough-on-crime" approach since taking office in 2022, a core promise of his mayoral campaign. "I ran on public safety, because the number one obligation of the city and the mayor is to keep the New Yorkers safe," Adams stated, reflecting his administration's foundational philosophy. This commitment is aimed at restoring order and enhancing the overall sense of security for residents.

The administration has launched and expanded multi-agency initiatives, such as "Every Block Counts" and "Community Link," designed to address high-crime areas and improve quality-of-life issues. These programs involve coordinated efforts from various city departments, including the NYPD, Department of Sanitation, and Parks Department, working to enhance neighborhood conditions and reduce disorder. The "Every Block Counts" pilot, initiated in October 2024, has already demonstrated notable success in its targeted residential blocks.

Official data released by the Mayor's Office indicates a substantial decline in overall major crime, which is down by nearly 6% year-to-date. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of crime reduction under the Adams administration, a trend he attributes to a multi-pronged approach combining "upstream intervention with downstream solutions." The city has also seen over 22,000 illegal guns removed from its streets since Adams took office, with 2,800 removed in 2025 alone.

Beyond statistical achievements, Mayor Adams emphasizes the critical importance of New Yorkers feeling safe in their daily lives. The "Every Block Counts" program, now expanded citywide, directly addresses this by focusing on tangible improvements like cleaner streets, better lighting, and increased community engagement. Mayor Adams concluded with a firm resolve: "We have come too far to go back!", signaling a continued dedication to building upon these public safety gains and ensuring a safer future for all New Yorkers.