Youth violence in New York City has seen a disturbing rise in recent years, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She attributes this increase to the state’s “Raise the Age” law, which she claims has led to a surge in underage criminals involved in gun violence.
Tisch revealed that the number of kids under 18 caught with guns has spiked by 136% between 2018 and 2024. Additionally, the number of underage shooters has increased by 192%, while juvenile victims of gun violence have risen by 81% during the same period.
The commissioner pointed out that so far in 2025, 14% of suspected shooters and shooting victims in the city are under the age of 18. She blames the Raise the Age law, signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017, for these concerning statistics. The law raised the age at which teens can face adult charges from 16 to 18, leading to a younger demographic involved in criminal activities.
Tisch emphasized that gangs and crews are now recruiting younger members to carry out crimes, as they are less likely to face serious consequences under the new law. This has created a consequence-free environment for juvenile offenders, resulting in a spike in youth-related violence.
Recent incidents, such as the arrest of a 13-year-old boy for the murder of a 28-year-old bystander in the Bronx, highlight the troubling trend of youths becoming both perpetrators and victims of gun violence. Another tragic incident involved a 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed by a stray bullet fired by a 14-year-old, illustrating the devastating impact of underage involvement in criminal activities.
Despite these alarming trends, Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams announced a positive development in the city’s crime statistics. From January to May, New York City recorded the lowest number of shootings and murders in history. The officials also highlighted the NYPD’s success in seizing over 2,200 illegal firearms from the streets since the beginning of 2025.
While the city has made progress in addressing overall crime rates, the issue of youth violence remains a significant concern. Tisch’s call to reassess the Raise the Age law and its impact on juvenile offenders underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of youth crime in the Big Apple.
