NYC teen gun arrests rise 19% while youth shooting victims decline

NYPD statistics reveal a 19% surge in arrests of people under 18 for gun-related crimes, rising from 355 to 423 in the comparable period. At the same time, the number of youths shot fell to 76, a 19% decrease from the prior year and marginally lower than 2024’s 78, and shooters aged under 18 dropped to 83 from 93. Police attribute the rise in arrests to the 2017 Raise the Age legislation and reforms that restrict cash bail for juveniles.

The department has responded with safety zones around schools, dedicated Youth Coordination Officers, and programs such as Saturday Night Lights and the Police one outlet League. Experts note that today’s violence often stems from turf disputes and online bragging, and stress that arrests alone cannot solve the problem. Recent incidents include the fatal shooting of Jihadi Pack near NYCHA’s King Towers and the killing of 14-year-old Malakai Adams in Far Rockaway.