Minneapolis sees drop in gun-related violence so far this year

According to the Minneapolis Police Department, the month of May saw the lowest recorded number of gunshot victims over the past four years. 

“Violent crime is dropping and the fact that shootings are even below pre-pandemic levels underscores that what we are doing is working,” said Mayor Jacob Frey in a press release. “It’s not easy to combat the gun violence epidemic we are seeing in Minneapolis and across the nation. But our officers and law enforcement partners have been doing incredible work to get a record number of guns off the street.”

The citywide crime data report issued on June 5, reflects the overall decrease in violent crime in Minneapolis this year, with 75 fewer gunshot-wound victims compared to last year, and 104 fewer gunshot-wound victims compared to the same time in 2021. The data reflects the continued drop in the number of Minneapolis residents who become victims of gun violence, based on the report.

In addition, Minneapolis police officers confiscated 1,100 illegal guns in 2022, setting a department record despite the shortage of officers. Police reports show that so far, 461 guns have been confiscated in 2023, a 16 percent improvement over last year’s record pace.

However, not all the citywide crime data was favorable. Not surprisingly, auto thefts, and to a lesser extent, property vandalism were higher than in previous years. The recorded number of auto thefts citywide through May was more than twice the number over the same period last year. With nearly 4,000 stolen cars so far in 2023, that number far exceeds the previous three-year average of 1,745. Not nearly as troubling as auto thefts, so far this year the increase in property vandalism is up by almost 33 percent. The increase in auto thefts may be related to the failure of manufacturers to install anti-theft devices in certain models, but the rash of auto thefts and property vandalism reflects a growing trend in non-violent crimes. 

Nevertheless, the MPD is focused on the positive drop in gun-related violent crime. 

“I am incredibly thankful for the tireless work by MPD officers to continue removing illegal guns from our streets and ensuring we continue to see fewer families touched by gun violence in our city,” said MPD Chief Brian O’Hara. “Together with our law enforcement and community-based partners, we will remain vigilant and continue to do everything possible to ensure we reduce the number of victims of serious street crime and build trust in our communities.”