New York City Hits Record 12 Days Without a Homicide

New York City has recently achieved a major milestone in public safety, matching its longest-ever period without a single homicide. For 12 consecutive days—from November 25 to December 7, 2025—the city witnessed remarkable calm, reinforcing a broader positive trend in declining violent crime observed throughout the year. This accomplishment reflects dedicated efforts by law enforcement agencies and community initiatives working to strengthen security and improve quality of life for all residents.

The 12-day stretch without a homicide stands as a testament to ongoing success in crime-reduction strategies. It mirrors a previous record set in 2015, highlighting the city’s continuous progress in maintaining peace and order. Such extended periods of calm are rare in a metropolis as large and complex as New York, making this achievement particularly noteworthy. It provides a moment to reflect on the effectiveness of current public-safety approaches and the resilience of the city’s neighborhoods.

While the streak ultimately ended with a tragic incident—a fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man in a stairwell of a public housing building in the Bronx—the overall statistics for the year remain overwhelmingly positive. During the first eleven months of 2025, New York City recorded the lowest number of shootings in its documented history, with just 652 reported cases. Similarly, the number of shooting victims also reached an unprecedented low of 812 during the same period. These figures are not mere data points; they represent countless potentially saved lives and a tangible decline in the fear of violence that can permeate urban environments.

November itself also stood out with an exceptional safety record. Homicides in November were at their lowest level ever, with only 16 reported cases, matching the previous record set in 2018. This sustained downward trend across multiple categories of violent crime points to a strong and effective public-safety approach. Law-enforcement efforts—combined with community engagement and preventive programs—appear to be paying off significantly, creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors.

Commenting on these impressive achievements, senior officials within the NYPD credited the success to a combination of “the right strategy” and “excellent execution.” They expressed gratitude to the city’s dedicated police force, whose year-round sacrifices have helped reduce violent crime to historic lows. Their steadfast commitment and diligent work have been essential to strengthening urban safety.

This period of significantly reduced crime carries additional meaning when viewed in the context of earlier debates over urban security. The positive trend emerges against a backdrop in which considerations of enhanced security measures—including the possible deployment of national forces in city streets—once formed part of broader public discourse. The current successes affirm the ability of local strategies and ongoing operational improvements to effectively address complex urban challenges. New York City continues to demonstrate its resilience and its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its millions of residents.