New York City reports record low summer crime amid rise in elderly assaults

New York City is experiencing divergent trends in crime statistics. According to NYPD reports, serious physical assaults against senior citizens (aged 65 and older) have risen significantly. Specifically, serious assaults against those aged 70 or older have increased by 143% since 2018. In the current year, the NYPD has recorded 2,112 serious assaults against seniors, a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Conversely, the city recorded its safest summer on record in 2026. Data from June through August shows historic lows in shootings and homicides, with 195 shooting incidents and 66 homicides reported. The NYPD noted that August saw a 6.6% decrease in major crimes citywide. Notably, the NYC subway system reported zero shootings, homicides, or rapes during August, and robberies reached their lowest level for an August since records began.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributed the summer's safety to officer performance, noting these lows occurred during a period of high activity, including the NBA Finals and the World Cup.