Rising Youth Violence Despite Overall Crime Decline

This year, residents of New York City have seen significant drops in overall crime, including notable decreases in shootings and homicides. However, youth-related violence remains a persistent challenge, with the youth crime rate refusing to decline alongside the broader trend.

Earlier this year, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that between 2018 and 2024, the number of juvenile gunfire incidents nearly tripled, and the number of young victims of gun violence increased by over 80%. Most disturbingly, a recent fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Angel Mendoza in the Bronx underscores how serious and ongoing this issue is. Mendoza was assaulted and fatally stabbed by at least four teenagers, with some of the attackers being minors, and the attack was caught on video.

The question arises: why is youth violence rising amid overall crime reductions? A key factor may be New York’s 2017 “Raise The Age” law, which significantly altered juvenile justice procedures. Signed into law by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, the legislation aimed to divert 16- and 17-year-old offenders from adult courts to Family Court, greatly reducing their chances of incarceration. As a result, many serious crimes committed by older teens are now less likely to lead to detention, with a 2023 study revealing that over 80% of felony cases involving such youths end up in family court.

Furthermore, a 2021 city criminal justice report noted an increase in rearrests among youths affected by the law. Despite concerns, lawmakers have not reconsidered the legislation, with advocates arguing that youthfulness should mitigate responsibility due to ongoing brain development. However, critics point out that most teens are not involved in violent crimes, and the law may inadvertently enable gangs to recruit even younger children, knowing they face fewer consequences than before.

Data from the Manhattan Institute shows that juveniles have become victims of gun violence at a rate three times higher than five years ago, indicating that the law’s intended benefits may have come at a cost. The debate continues over whether such policies protect or endanger youth and communities alike.

Rafael A. Mangual is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and author of “Criminal (In)Justice.”