PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Gun violence in Philadelphia has continued to trend downward since the all-time high recorded during the height of the pandemic. Although the summer months typically bring a spike, the city’s top cop said there have been far fewer shootings and homicides so far this year compared to last.
The number of homicide and shooting victims to date is currently below pre-pandemic levels. The city reached a record 562 homicides in 2021. In 2023, homicides fell to 410. So far this year, police have reported 183 homicides to date — the lowest it has been since 2016.
In June, July and August of this year, there was a nearly 30% reduction in homicides compared to last year. In August 2023, there were 34 homicides. Last month, there were 23.
Juveniles make up about 10% of shootings and homicides, and those incidents are slowing, too.
“Right now, we’re down almost 58% in murders for juveniles under the age of 18. Last year, we had 34 homicides. This year, we have 10,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
One of the largest shootings of the summer happened in July. Nine people — almost all teens — were gunned down on July Fourth at an outdoor gathering. A 19-year-old was killed. Police are still investigating.
However, Bethel credits funding for community programs, more foot patrols in highly violent neighborhoods, a return to fully functional courts, and an increasing solve rate, which leads to less retaliation. He’s hopeful the decline in shootings and homicides will continue.
“We’ve changed our deployment model to be able to effectively prevent and intercept when we do see [violent] activity,” he said.