Baltimore Celebrates Significant Drop in Violence as Mayor Scott Outlines 2025 Safety Goals

BALTIMORE, MD (January 8, 2025) - Mayor Brandon M. Scott, alongside Governor Wes Moore and other city officials, gathered with community members yesterday to celebrate notable reductions in violence in Baltimore over the past two years.

In 2024, the city recorded 201 homicides, marking a 23% decrease from the previous year, which itself had seen a 20% drop. Additionally, non-fatal shootings fell by 34%, with 414 incidents in 2024 compared to 635 in 2023. The reduction in juvenile victims of both homicides and non-fatal shootings was particularly striking, showing a decrease of 74%.

Mayor Scott attributed these achievements to the collective efforts of Baltimore residents and various stakeholders, including the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) and community partners. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, the loss of 201 lives remains a tragic reality, and the city must continue to strive for further improvements in public safety.

Governor Moore echoed the importance of collaboration in achieving these results, emphasizing that the data-driven approach taken by the city is crucial in addressing public safety challenges. He expressed gratitude to Mayor Scott and other leaders for their commitment to making Maryland a safer place.

During the event, the city also held its annual Vigil of Remembrance, where officials and community members came together to honor those lost to violence, overdose, suicide, and other causes in 2024. Attendees participated in a solemn reading of the names of homicide victims and lit candles in their memory.

BPD Commissioner Richard Worley expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that have led to the significant reductions in gun violence, while also acknowledging that work remains to be done. He reaffirmed the department's commitment to community-oriented policing and building trust with residents.

Stefanie Mavronis, Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), highlighted the importance of a public health approach to violence prevention. She noted that while progress has been made, the loss of life in Baltimore is still a pressing concern, and efforts will continue until the community sees no more names read at future vigils.

The Scott Administration remains dedicated to a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for public safety, focusing on strengthening community ties and enhancing the effectiveness of various safety initiatives in the city.

Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore City (.gov) (source).