New York City sees rise in youth gun violence amid overall crime decline

New York City’s overall crime fell in the first half of 2026, with murders down 21%, robberies 12%, burglaries 15% and vehicle thefts 12% compared with the same period in 2025. Felony assaults remained steady, while rapes and hate crimes showed modest increases.

Despite the broader decline, at least 50 young people were shot or killed in gun incidents through July 2026. The latest victim was 12‑year‑old Jacob Freytes, who died after a stray bullet struck him outside a Bronx bodega. The data show 49 youth victims and 49 youth suspects in shootings during the first six months, and youths accounted for about 22% of all suspected shooters, up from 8% in 2018. Overall shootings were at their lowest level on record for the period, but the share of youth involvement has risen.

The spike in youth‑related gun violence occurs alongside steady felony assaults in Bronx precincts such as Mott Haven and East New York, and continued concerns about safety in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.