New York City Mayor Eric Adams touts decrease in violent crime as time in office draws to a close

NEW YORK, New York (WABC) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams is touting his tough-on-crime legacy as he prepares to leave office in a few days.

Adams credits anti-violence teams with a reduction in crime, from homicides to shootings.

Unofficially, the city appears to be on track to have the lowest number of homicides before the pandemic.

Police data shows that the number of homicides in 2025 so far sits at 301. That’s 79 less from the same time last year — a 21% decrease.

Shooting incidents are down 24%, 211 less than in 2024. There’s also a 22% decrease in shooting victims.

Mayor Adams credits the current crisis management system for the low number of homicides and shootings, employing teams of credible messengers that mediate conflicts on the street and connect high-risk individuals to services to prevent violence before it starts.

From 2010 to 2019, data shows the system had contributed to an average of 40% reduction in shootings in program areas, compared to a 31% decline in shootings in the highest violence precincts.

This was all backed by a $36M investment from the administration and City Council.

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