Homicides in 30 major U.S. cities dropped 18% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, resulting in about 215 fewer deaths, according to a report released Wednesday by the independent Council on Criminal Justice.
The report, which analyzed data from cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, found that the decline continues a trend that began in 2023. If the pace holds, 2026 could see one of the lowest homicide totals in decades.
Experts attribute the drop to a combination of factors, including targeted policing strategies, community violence intervention programs, and a reduction in pandemic-era stressors. However, the report notes that homicide rates remain above pre-2020 levels in some cities.
