While some reports have attributed reductions in Philadelphia gun violence to more recent local activities, the current decline has persisted since late 2022 and appears to be part of a national trend.
This chart from our Philadelphia Shooting Victims data dashboard illustrates the number of total fatal and nonfatal victims recorded during the previous 365 days on each date since the beginning of 2019, according to city data.
Gun violence in Philadelphia had increased dramatically following the enactment of COVID-19 containment policies in 2020. But murder fell at the fastest pace ever recorded across the U.S. during 2023 and is likely falling faster in 2024, according to data analyst Jeff Asher, who created our dashboard.
Of course we are mindful that this progress provides no consolation to gun violence survivors, co-victims or those harmed in others ways following more than 900 shooting recorded so far this year in our city alone and that actual evidence-based responses must be sustained and increased.
A public health approach can guide our strategy and action, according to a recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General. The Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health has identified five key policies and programmatic priorities that have the potential to save countless lives, according to research.