Homicides Decrease by 27% in 2025 in Areas of LA Affected by Violence
Homicides Decline in Los Angeles, New Data Reveals
LOS ANGELES – Homicides in neighborhoods designated as "most impacted by violence" in Los Angeles saw a substantial reduction of nearly 27% in 2025, according to an announcement made by Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday. This statistic underscores a broader trend of decreasing violent crime across the city.
During a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor Bass highlighted that the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) zones have shown improvements in violence reduction for a second consecutive year. Citywide, homicides fell by 19%, marking the lowest level of such incidents since the 1960s, as reported by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
“The work of our prevention and intervention partners in GRYD is a cornerstone of our comprehensive approach to public safety, and it’s delivering real results: a nearly 27% drop in all homicides within GRYD zones in 2025," Mayor Bass stated. “With LA experiencing the lowest homicides on record in nearly 60 years, the work of the city’s intervention workers and peacekeepers are changing lives, transforming communities, and helping prevent crime from occurring.”
Eunisses Hernandez, council representative for the First District, which includes downtown and northeast Los Angeles, attributed the decline in homicides to community engagement and youth development programs. She emphasized the importance of “preventing harm before it happens instead of only reacting after tragedy strikes.”
According to the LAPD’s annual review of crime and initiatives, the year 2025 recorded a significant decrease in crimes against residents. The number of homicides was notably lower, with 230 reported compared to 284 in 2024, reflecting a 19% decrease. Additionally, shooting victims dropped from 981 in 2024 to 899 in 2025, an 8% reduction.
The report also noted that strategies aimed at reducing gun violence led to a marked increase in firearm recoveries. In 2025, LAPD seized 8,650 firearms, a proactive measure credited with helping to decrease shootings and homicides.
Furthermore, the report indicated that homeless-related homicides reached 61, a 20% increase by division area, while gang-related homicides numbered 100, showing a 4% decrease from the previous year.
As Los Angeles navigates its public safety challenges, the ongoing focus on community-based interventions appears to be yielding positive results.
