Mayor Brandon M. Scott Statement on Continued Homicide and Shooting Reductions

2025 continues to see lowest number of homicides in Baltimore in over 50 years

BALTIMORE, MD (September 1, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement as Baltimore continues to experience historic reductions in violent crime through August of 2025.

As of this morning, Baltimore has seen 91 homicides and 218 nonfatal shootings in 2025. These numbers represent a 29.5% drop in homicides and a 21% decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to this time last year and are on top of two years of sustained reductions in 2023 and 2024.

"Baltimore has achieved historic progress, driving down shootings and homicides to historic lows, thanks to the collective efforts of the brave men and women of BPD, my Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, our great partners in the Governor's Office, the State's Attorney's Office, the Office of the Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney's Office, federal law enforcement agencies, our community violence intervention ecosystem, and - above all- Baltimoreans across the city who have bought into our holistic, evidence-based approach to public safety," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "We are all in this together. Only together can we continue to build on and sustain these achievements."

91 homicides year-to-date represents the fewest Baltimore has seen through the first eight months of the year in over 50 years. Baltimore saw seven homicides last month, the lowest total for the month of August, historically one of the deadliest months of the year, on record.

The City's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a key partnership between BPD, the Mayor's Office, and prosecutors in the State's Attorney's Office and Office of the Attorney General, which focuses on violent groups responsible for driving the majority of violence in Baltimore, has seen success by balancing services and accountability. Together, they work to get those at the very highest risk of being involved in violence to put down the guns and change their behaviors. The strategy has led to over 519 arrests and connected over 278 individuals to life coaching and wraparound services through YAP, Inc., and Roca. Approximately 96% of participants have not been revictimized and 97.8% have not recidivated after enrolling in services as part of the strategy. GVRS recently expanded to Baltimore's Southern Police District in June 2025.

As of August 26, 2025, Safe Streets Baltimore's violence interrupters have mediated over 1,011 potentially violent conflicts as part of the City's community violence intervention ecosystem.

As of August 23, 2025, Baltimore Police Department officers have seized 1,685 firearms so far this year.

Crime continues to be down across most major categories. As of August 23, 2025, compared to last year, auto thefts are down 32%, robberies are down 26%, and carjackings are down 21%.

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