Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on that 2024 was the safest year for gun violence in the borough’s history-- an historic milestone, according to a press announcement on Tuesday.
This achievement was accompanied by a 6% reduction in homicides and a 5.9% drop in total serious crimes. Shooting incidents and shooting victims reached record lows, surpassing previous benchmarks set in 2019.
“Brooklyn continues to get safer year after year, and we’re now the safest we’ve ever been in terms of gun violence, with shootings and shooting victims reaching record lows,” said DA Gonzalez.
“Murders and other serious crime declined as well in 2024 as we return to pre-pandemic levels. This tremendous success is a testament to the productive partnerships between my office, the NYPD, and our law-enforcement partners; to the technological investments we’ve made in crime-solving tools; and to our comprehensive approach that uses preventative measures and community-centered strategies to reduce shootings. While we still have much work to do, I am optimistic that we will keep building on this progress into 2025 and beyond.”
Record-Breaking Decline in Gun Violence
According to the latest NYPD Compstat data, there were 287 shooting incidents in Brooklyn this year, a 15% decrease from 338 in 2023. This marks the lowest figure since record-keeping began. Similarly, shooting victims fell to 345, a 14% drop from last year’s 399 and the fewest on record. Shooting-related homicides also saw a notable decline, dropping to 63 this year from 75 in 2023 and 85 in 2022.
These declines included an 11% reduction in shootings during the summer months, traditionally a period of increased gun violence. Neighborhoods such as East New York, East Flatbush, and Fort Greene saw significant decreases in overall homicides, with reductions of 48%, 41%, and 50%, respectively.
Other Milestones in Crime Reduction
Brooklyn’s overall crime rates also improved in 2024. Total index crimes, encompassing serious felonies, were down by 5.9%, with declines in robberies, burglaries, grand larcenies, and auto theft. However, rapes and felony assaults saw slight increases, underscoring areas for continued focus.
Justice Achievements in Court and Beyond
The DA’s Office also recorded an impressive 89% trial conviction rate, securing justice in high-profile cases, including the sentencing of four gang members involved in shootings that took the life of 1-year-old Davell Gardner Jr.
The office made strides in addressing cybercrime, launching a Cyber Currency Unit that dismantled over 200 fraudulent domains targeting Brooklyn residents. Initiatives also included educational campaigns to prevent cryptocurrency and NFT scams.
Additionally, the Brooklyn Conviction Review Unit exonerated its 40th individual this year, cementing its reputation as a national leader in correcting wrongful convictions.
Looking Ahead
As Brooklyn enters 2025, DA Gonzalez emphasized the importance of sustaining and building on this progress. “This success story is about partnerships, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” Gonzalez said. “We remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring fairness and accountability across the justice system.”
