NYC Hits Record Low Murders, Shootings Early 2023

Mayor Mamdani and NYPD leadership tout historic crime declines, but vow more work ahead

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:28am

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New York City has recorded the fewest murders and shooting incidents in decades during the first three months of 2023, with major crime down across all five boroughs. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch credited the NYPD's precision policing strategy and the hard work of officers for the historic declines, though they acknowledged more work is needed to address ongoing challenges like hate crimes.

Why it matters

The significant drop in violent crime, including murders and shootings, represents a major public safety milestone for New York City. However, the tragic shooting death of a 7-month-old child in Williamsburg and the failure to convict the killer of Detective Jonathan Diller serve as sobering reminders that the city's work to enhance community safety is far from complete.

The details

In the first quarter of 2023, New York City saw 54 murders, a 28% decrease from the previous year. Shooting incidents and shooting victims also reached record lows. Major crime fell across all five boroughs, led by a 9.4% decline in the Bronx. The NYPD credited its precision policing strategy, including surging officers to high-crime areas, taking over 1,000 guns off the streets, and targeting violent gangs. However, hate crimes increased 11.7%, with a 140% rise in anti-Muslim incidents and over half being antisemitic in nature.

  • Through the first three months of 2023, New York City has recorded the fewest murders and shooting incidents in decades.
  • In the first quarter of 2023, major crime is down across all five boroughs, with the Bronx leading the way at a 9.4% decrease.
  • It has been 178 days since the last murder on Staten Island, the second-longest period in recorded history.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who touted the historic crime declines while acknowledging more work is needed.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner who provided detailed statistics on the crime reductions and the department's precision policing strategy.

Mike LiPetri

The NYPD Chief of Department who discussed the department's focus on youth violence and gun arrests in targeted zones.

Joseph Kenny

The NYPD Chief of Detectives who provided details on the investigation into the shooting death of a 7-month-old child in Williamsburg.

Jonathan Diller

An NYPD detective who was killed in the line of duty two years ago, with the police commissioner expressing disappointment that the top murder charge did not result in a conviction.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these numbers paints a picture of a safer, more welcoming city for our fellow New Yorkers. And they tell a story that statistics can never fully capture.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor

“I am deeply disappointed that the top murder charge did not result in a conviction. Based on all of the evidence presented at trial, I am convinced that this was an act of intentional murder.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner

“When you look at gun arrests within those zones during deployment hours, the winter zones, we have over 100 gun arrests in those zones.”

— Michael J. LiPetri, Chief of Department, Police Department

What’s next

The judge in the case of the 7-month-old's shooting death will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspect, Amari Green, out on bail.

The takeaway

While the historic crime declines in New York City are encouraging, the tragic shooting of a young child and the failure to fully convict the killer of a police officer serve as sobering reminders that the city's work to enhance public safety and address hate crimes remains unfinished. Continued collaboration between city leadership and the NYPD will be crucial to building on this progress and creating a safer, more inclusive New York for all.