Overview
- The NYPD, which released new figures Monday, said New York recorded 76 murders through April and 19 in April alone, both the lowest on record as major crime fell 9.5% for the month.
- Shooting incidents fell 18.6% year over year in April, and shooting victims dropped 19.3%, putting the city on a pace of about 231 homicides for 2026 based on the first 120 days.
- The Bronx led the declines with four April murders, its fewest ever, and steep drops in shootings, robbery, and auto theft, while Staten Island has reported no murders so far this year.
- Police credited a precision strategy that targets illegal guns and violent gangs, and said a Summer Violence Reduction Plan will deploy up to 3,800 officers on nightly foot posts across 72 zones in 40 precincts, including public housing and subways.
- Reported rape rose about 10% after a 2024 law broadened the legal definition, and April still included two child homicides tied to gang disputes in which arrests were announced.