Juvenile shootings in New York City have seen a troubling increase this year, with a 15% surge compared to last year and a staggering 114% rise since 2018, before the pandemic hit. The data from the NYPD reveals that while the number of teen shooters has decreased by 5% this year, it has still risen by 70% since 2018.
In 2018, there were 14 juvenile shooting victims and 10 juvenile shooters, compared to 30 victims and 17 shooters so far in 2025. One such victim this year was Juan Jose Pena, an 18-year-old aspiring Navy recruit who was fatally shot in the Bronx in February. His mother, devastated by his death, has since fled to the Dominican Republic with her other children, fearing for their safety.
Pena’s tragic death, just moments after he texted his mother that he was on his way home, highlights the senseless violence that has plagued the city. His aunt, Shery Olivo, expressed frustration at the lack of justice for her nephew and the growing number of teens involved in gun violence.
Similarly, Yanely Henriquez, whose 16-year-old daughter Angellyh Yambo was killed in a shooting in 2022, emphasized the need for more action from elected officials to address the rising trend of youth gun violence. Henriquez, who wishes she could move away from New York but remains tied to her daughter’s grave, shared her ongoing fear for her other children’s safety in the city.
Retired NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kevin O’Connor pointed to the “Raise the Age” legislation as a contributing factor to the increase in youth shootings. The law prevents minors under 18 from being charged as adults, leading to a lack of accountability and potentially contributing to repeat offenses among young offenders.
O’Connor highlighted the importance of judges having access to a teen’s prior charges to make informed decisions and prevent them from becoming repeat offenders. Without this crucial information, he emphasized, the cycle of youth crime is likely to continue.
The stories of Pena, Yambo, and others impacted by youth gun violence serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of the issue. As families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones, the call for action to end youth gun violence in New York City grows louder.
