Gun violence in Brooklyn declined in the first half of 2025 with homicides plunging by 29%.
Shootings and shooting victims – which reached a record low last year – decreased by 19% and 15% respectively to the lowest numbers recorded in Brooklyn at any year’s midway point, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Total serious felonies decreased by 8% for the year so far.
"These historic declines in shootings and homicides mean something profound: lives have been saved, families have been spared unimaginable grief, and more Brooklyn residents are walking our streets with a sense of safety," the DA said in a statement.
There were 123 shooting incidents in Brooklyn so far this year, down 19% compared to the same time in 2024 (29 fewer and 10 below the previous low in 2017). There were 147 shooting victims, a decline of 15% (25 fewer than last year and five fewer than the 2017 record).
There was a big drop in homicides to 41, which is 29% fewer than at the end of June 2024. Of which, 26 were shooting homicides, which is 30% fewer. That number is equal to the previous midyear record. (NYPD’s Compstat counts an additional homicide, which was reclassified from 2020 and is not included in this analysis.)
Eight of Brooklyn’s 23 precincts did not report any homicides this year, compared to three at this time in 2024. The precinct with the steepest decline was Brownsville, down to two murders from 14. That precinct also saw a 45% drop in shootings. The 77th Precinct in Crown Heights also had a notable drop, from six to one homicide. Homicides in public housing developments were reduced by 60% (from 10 to four) and shootings declined by 34%.
The seven most serious felonies declined by 8% compared to the midpoint of 2024, with robberies, burglaries and larcenies all decreasing by double-digit percentage points. The decrease is outpacing 2024, when these index crimes went down by 6%.
"This progress reflects a comprehensive and sustained strategy, including strong partnerships with the NYPD and community groups, smart prevention efforts and a relentless focus on those driving violence," Gonzalez said.
