Summary:

Felony assaults in NYC surged to a two-decade high in 2024, up 5% from 2023 and a staggering 146.5% over six years.
The NYPD blames a "revolving door" justice system and repeat offenders for the crime spike.
Significant increases were also seen in repeat burglary (61.3%) and robbery (83.3%) offenders.
High-profile cases highlight the issue of recidivism and the failure of the system to prioritize victim's rights.
Despite the assault increase, overall major index crime decreased by 3%, but rapes increased by 18.9%.

NYC Crime Surge: A Staggering Increase in Felony Assaults

New York City experienced a dramatic increase in felony assaults in 2024, reaching a two-decade high of 29,417. This represents a concerning 5% rise from 2023 and a staggering 146.5% jump over the past six years.

The Revolving Door of Justice

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributes this spike to a "revolving door" justice system, largely due to 2020's legislative changes. Repeat offenders are a key factor, with significant increases also seen in repeat burglary (61.3%) and robbery (83.3%) offenders.

Commissioner Tisch highlights assaults on officers, domestic violence, and stranger attacks as driving factors. Mayor Eric Adams echoes these concerns, emphasizing the disheartening effect on both officers and citizens.

High-Profile Cases

The report points to specific cases, such as:

Gary Worthy, a 57-year-old parolee with 17 prior arrests, who shot an NYPD officer and a bystander during a robbery attempt. He was subsequently shot and killed by the officer. <img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/subway-shove-perp-kamel-hawkins-96067469_5b61c8.jpg?w=1024" alt="Subway shove perp Kamel Hawkins walked out of NYPD Transit District 1 at 59/Col Circle">
Franz Jeudy, 33, accused of a sucker-punch attack on a school bus aide, who has a history of similar assaults and mental illness.
Jonathan Davalos, 26, charged with severely slashing an MTA worker, who has a history of violent offenses against transit workers.

Overall Crime Trends

Despite the rise in felony assaults, overall major index crime decreased by approximately 3%. Murders, robberies, burglaries, grand larcenies, and grand larceny auto all saw decreases. However, rapes saw an 18.9% increase, partly attributed to a legal redefinition and a higher proportion of domestic violence-related cases.

The city's focus remains on addressing the alarming recidivism rate and improving the criminal justice system's response to violent crime.

Source: New York Post