CHICAGO (WLS) -- The year 2024 marked the first time in five years the city of Chicago saw fewer than 600 murders. Still, 573 people in the city were murdered, according to data released by police Tuesday. City leaders hope to lower the numbers even more this year.
Chicago wrapped up 2024 in dreary fashion, but, when it came to crime, there were some, relatively speaking, bright spots. The Chicago police superintendent called it a year of progress, especially with shootings and homicides both down. "Right now, we recorded the lowest number of homicides that we've seen since 2019.
We've seen the 7% reduction in shootings, and a 4% reduction in shooting victims compared to the year of 2023," Larry Snelling said. The superintendent also noted that robberies, which include carjackings, have dropped 25% since last May, when he formed a special task force to address the problem. Part of that reduction he attributed to having an additional police helicopter to assist officers on the ground.
The Democratic National Convention is considered another victory. SEE MORE: Chicago police, Mayor Johnson discuss 2024, New Year's Eve safety efforts "A major moment, not just this year, but in CPD history, was securing the 2024 Democratic National Convention, while not losing focus on keeping neighborhoods across the entire city safe," Snelling said. The mayor was pleased with seeing violent crime go down in his first full year in office.
"While this year's work proves progress, we know there is.
