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East St. Louis Today
By the People, for the People
East St. Louis Homicides Hit 45-Year Low
Illinois State Police report significant declines in violent crime in the region since 2020.
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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Illinois State Police have revealed that homicides in East St. Louis have hit a 45-year low, with a steady decline in both homicides and non-fatal shootings since 2020. The state's Public Safety Enforcement Group has led a concerted effort to target violent criminals in the region using new technology and collaboration with local law enforcement.
Why it matters
East St. Louis has long struggled with high rates of violent crime, so these declines represent a significant public safety improvement for the community. The state's focus on data-driven policing strategies and partnerships with local law enforcement appear to be paying off.
The details
According to the Illinois State Police, homicides in East St. Louis have dropped from 34 in 2020 to just 15 in 2025. Non-fatal shootings have also declined from 127 in 2020 to 50 in 2025. This progress is the result of a concerted effort by the ISP Patrol Troop 8, the South Special Operations Group, Air Operations, Firearms Investigations Unit, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.
- In 2020, there were 34 homicides and 127 non-fatal shootings.
- By 2021, homicides declined to 32 and non-fatal shootings dropped to 115.
- In 2022, homicides fell to 25 and non-fatal shootings decreased to 85.
- In 2023, homicides increased slightly to 27 but non-fatal shootings declined to 84.
- In 2024, homicides dropped to 20 and non-fatal shootings fell to 57.
- In 2025, homicides hit a 45-year low of 15 and non-fatal shootings declined to 50.
The players
JB Pritzker
The Governor of Illinois who praised the state's efforts to prioritize public safety and reduce violent crime in the Metro East region.
Illinois State Police
The law enforcement agency that led the anti-violence campaign in East St. Louis, including efforts by the ISP Patrol Troop 8, the South Special Operations Group, Air Operations, Firearms Investigations Unit, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.
What they’re saying
“Illinois is taking bold steps to prioritize public safety, significantly reduce crime, and strengthen our local communities. I'm proud to see the Public Safety Enforcement Group's encouraging results in the Metro East, and I'm committed to further reducing gun violence, homicides, and other violent crime in every corner of the state.”
— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (979kickfm.com)
What’s next
The state has indicated it will continue its focus on data-driven policing strategies and partnerships with local law enforcement to further reduce violent crime in East St. Louis and across Illinois.
The takeaway
The significant decline in homicides and non-fatal shootings in East St. Louis over the past 5 years demonstrates that targeted, collaborative law enforcement efforts can make a meaningful impact on public safety in communities struggling with high rates of violent crime.
