Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the seizure of more than 3,000 illegal firearms from New York City streets since the start of 2025, as reported yesterday. This year's effort adds to the overall count of over 22,700 illegal firearms collected under the Adams administration, with a notable impact on reducing citywide shootings and homicides.
The substantial increase in gun seizures corresponds to a significant drop in violent crime statistics. Shootings have dropped by 54 percent, and homicides have decreased by 36 percent. Under Adams' leadership, the NYPD has been able to systematically reduce gun violence, a trend that surpasses six consecutive quarters of crime reduction. "Nothing makes me prouder than the records we are setting in the fight against gun violence that are making our city safer," Mayor Adams stated in a press release.
In the first half of 2025, the city recorded the lowest number of shooting victims in its history and tied the all-time low for shooting incidents. Major crimes have also seen a decline, decreasing by 6 percent citywide last month. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, "During the first half of 2025, New York City had the lowest number of shooting victims in recorded history and tied the all-time low for shooting incidents." She noted that gun-related arrests are one of the most dangerous parts of police work, recognizing the risks officers encounter while performing their duties, as reported by the Mayor's office.
Another facet of the NYPD's strategy has been to target violent gangs, leading to 48 gang takedowns and 347 arrests through last month. Furthermore, these operations have resulted in the confiscation of 236 firearms. As part of a multipronged strategy to combat gun violence, Adams' administration has focused on upstream solutions, prevention efforts, and the expansion of opportunities for young people.
The crackdown on ghost guns, unserialized firearms that are increasingly showing up in the hands of criminals, is also yielding significant results. The NYPD has retrieved over 1,500 ghost guns since Adams took office. "Simply put, the preponderance of illegal firearms, ghost guns, and assault weapons make New York City less safe," Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said in a press release. Mayor Adams also supported legal efforts to bolster federal regulation of ghost gun components.
District attorneys across the boroughs have praised the NYPD's initiatives and the corresponding decline in violent crimes, emphasizing their partnership with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute gun-related offenses. The Gun Violence Strategies Partnership also reviewed over 700 cases in 2024, ensuring severe gun offenders are held accountable to keep New York City residents safe.
