New Jersey Reports Continued Drop in Gun Violence and Auto Theft as State Nears End of Murphy Administration
As Governor Phil Murphy’s term ends, New Jersey officials are using new statewide crime data that says public safety is improving, notably for shootings and car thefts. Murphy told a court and police complex in East Rutherford that state agencies, local officials, and community organizations collaborated for years to produce the latest data.
According to official data, 559 New Jersey residents were shot last year. This was 28% lower than last year. 107 were injured and died. After taking office, the governor reported the state had over 1,300 shooting victims annually. The latest statistics reflect a fourth year of declining gun violence injuries.
Murphy said there is still plenty to do even though the trend is down. He stressed that the long-term goal is to prevent gun violence and that every statistic represents victims and their families.
The reduction wasn’t only gun-related. Car thefts down across the state. Car thefts dropped nearly 9% to 13,693 from 15,041 according to the New Jersey State Police. State lawmakers attributed this success to tougher rules in recent years. In July 2023, a law made it difficult for repeat auto thieves and organized vehicle traffickers to get away with it.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way said the latest data reflect how Murphy administration policies and processes have helped. She highlighted that these efforts will keep people secure and make the state safer over time.
Since the state is addressing gun violence differently, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said shootings have dropped. He said New Jersey is treating gun violence more like a public health issue, prioritizing prevention, intervention, and long-term investment above enforcement.
Platkin also reported a substantial decline in shootings in the state’s largest cities. The State Police took over Paterson law enforcement after a corruption scandal. Last year, 42 gunshots were fired, down from 127. Gunshots and homicides in Newark were at record lows, according to Mayor Ras Baraka. There were 31 murders, 19% fewer than last year. Baraka stated that while the facts show progress, the city’s efforts still depend on the experiences of those who have been wounded.
State officials stressed the importance of community-based gun violence prevention groups in achieving these achievements. These clubs immediately build trust and prevent fights in neighborhoods. Platkin declared these groups vital, and Murphy highlighted that their strong community links often allow them to reach people that police and government officials cannot.
According to Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, interim State Police Superintendent of New Jersey, coordination between government levels and strong relations with local communities have reduced crime. He said the latest statistics show lives saved and families spared.
As the Murphy administration ends, state authorities are using the latest crime data to show that consistent policy, community involvement, and coordinated enforcement improve public safety. Officials also stated that the next administration will struggle to maintain and grow on these advantages.
Sources
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
New Jersey State Police
Office of the New Jersey Attorney General
