The number of shooting victims fell to the lowest level since recording began in 2009. Car thefts also declined. (Photo by Edwin J. Torres | Governor’s Office)
The number of shooting victims in New Jersey declined to a recorded low for the second consecutive year in 2024, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.
The state reported there were 778 shooting victims in New Jersey last year, down roughly 16% from the 924 recorded in 2023. The new figures mark the second time the state has reported fewer than 1,000 shooting victims since it began tracking their numbers in 2009.
“The meticulous coordination of Attorney General Platkin, Colonel Callahan, our legislative partners, and our local law enforcement officers has played a tremendous role in achieving historically low shootings for a second consecutive year. Together, we are determined to continue combatting violence and crime as we build a safer, stronger New Jersey for all,” Murphy said in a statement.
Shooting fatalities were down 20%, falling from 191 in 2023 to 152.
Authorities credited the state’s gun violence task force — an information-sharing hub for the state’s 21 counties — and expanded violence intervention efforts for the declines.
“While the progress is clear, our commitment to driving crime rates even lower remains resolute. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and uphold the safety and security that every resident deserves,” said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan.
Auto thefts, a political lightning rod for crime concerns in recent years, were down 11%, falling from the 16,694 recorded in 2023 to 14,755, officials said.
In July 2023, Murphy signed a series of bills boosting penalties for accused car thieves, including legislation that eliminated the presumption of pretrial release for those accused of car theft and some related offenses if they were arrested or convicted on related charges within the prior 90 days. Another bill boosted penalties for leaders of auto theft rings.
“Auto thefts are at the lowest level we’ve seen in three years. These trends are encouraging, but we must continue our work to keep the public safe,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin.
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