NYPD ANNOUNCES SAFEST YEAR EVER FOR GUN VIOLENCE WITH FEWEST SHOOTING INCIDENTS AND SHOOTING VICTIMS IN RECORDED HISTORY

 

Safest Year on the Subway System Since 2009 Outside the Pandemic Years, Fewest Transit Robberies Ever  

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that the NYPD delivered the safest year ever for gun violence in 2025, with the fewest shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. In December, New York City experienced the fewest shooting incidents in any month ever in recorded history. The NYPD also delivered safety records below ground on the subway, driving transit robberies to the lowest level of all time and making the subway the safest it’s been since 2009, outside of the pandemic years. In addition to the record-low shootings, the NYPD’s precision policing strategy resulted in significant reductions in overall crime, including 1,600 fewer robberies than last year and a 14% decline in retail theft.

"These historic reductions in crime did not happen by chance or accident — they are the direct product of a deliberate, data-driven strategy achieving unprecedented public safety milestones for New York City," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "The NYPD drove shooting incidents and shooting victims to the lowest levels in recorded history and delivered the safest year on our subway system, outside of the pandemic era, since 2009. These numbers describe an agency that’s firing on all cylinders: taking down violent gangs, removing thousands of guns off the street, and shattering record-low violent crime numbers. New York City is still the safest big city in the country, thanks to the extraordinary work of the women and men of the NYPD who answer the call every day to protect and serve.”

“Last year, New York City had its safest year for gun violence ever. This achievement—among many others—is a testament to the leadership of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the dedication of the NYPD, and the tireless work of community-based organizations that help keep our neighborhoods safe,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “This work, however, is not done. Together with Police Commissioner Tisch and Governor Kathy Hochul, we will continue to drive down crime—addressing the needs of New Yorkers and working with our officers to deliver public safety.”

“When I became Governor, I made keeping New Yorkers safe my top priority and tackled crime head-on in New York City and across the state. Since then, I have made unprecedented investments in police and public safety—over $3 billion -- to make New York’s neighborhoods and subways safer," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our aggressive approach is paying off: crime has fallen to record lows, making New York a safer place to live, work, and visit. I look forward to continuing this work with Mayor Mamdani, Police Commissioner Tisch, and the brave men and women of law enforcement who sacrifice so much to ensure New York remains the safest big city in the country."

Record-Lows for Shooting Incidents and Victims, Shattering Previous Records

In 2025, New York City recorded 688 shooting incidents, shattering the previous record set in 2018 by 10% (688 vs. 754) with 66 fewer shootings. Compared to 2024, shooting incidents declined by 24% (688 vs. 904), a staggering 216 fewer shootings. In the fourth quarter, shooting incidents were down more than 36% (134 vs. 211) compared to the same period last year. In December, there were only 35 shooting incidents citywide — the fewest shootings ever recorded in any single month in history.

For comparison, Chicago — a city of roughly 3 million people — recorded more than 1,400 shooting incidents over the same period, more than double New York City’s total, despite having roughly one-third of the population. Philadelphia— with a population of 1.5 million people — recorded more than 825 shooting incidents, while having less than one-fifth of New York City’s population.

The number of people shot in New York City also fell to a historic low in 2025 with 856 shooting victims citywide, shattering the previous 2018 record by nearly 5% (856 vs. 897) with 41 fewer victims. Compared to 2024, shooting victims declined by 22% (856 vs. 1,103), a stunning 247 fewer people shot. In the fourth quarter, shooting victims fell by more than 34% (161 vs. 246), with December posting the lowest victim totals ever recorded.

The historic decline reflected a citywide effort, with reductions across all five boroughs in 2025. Shooting incidents declined by 38% in Manhattan, 26.7% in Staten Island, 25.4% in the Bronx, 24.4% in Queens, and 15% in Brooklyn. Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island each recorded their lowest number of shooting incidents in city history.

The NYPD’s work to remove guns from the streets and take down the most dangerous gangs also helped achieve historic lows in shootings. Last year, officers seized more than 5,293 illegal guns and NYPD detectives carried out 70 gang-related takedowns, getting the most dangerous criminals off the streets and out of our communities.

Reductions in Major Crime Across All Five Boroughs

In addition to addressing gun violence, the NYPD successfully drove down major crime by implementing a data-driven, precision policing strategy that resulted in consistent declines throughout the entire year. The department deployed an unprecedented number of officers assigned to nightly foot posts to areas with high crime across precincts, public housing, and the subway system.

This targeted strategy led to a 3% (121,542 vs. 125,026) decline in major crime in 2025.

Across the city, murder declined by 20.2% (305 vs. 382), with 77 fewer murders compared to 2024. In December, murders fell to 15 citywide, down nearly 38% (15 vs. 24) from 2024. Alongside those reductions, the NYPD’s Detective Bureau maintained a murder clearance rate of 69% in 2025. Murders also decreased in four out of the five boroughs. On Staten Island, murders fell by more than 60% in 2025, including zero murders in December. Manhattan was down 33%, Brooklyn was down 24%, and the Bronx was down 18%. In Queens, murders increased slightly by 7%.

Citywide, robberies declined by nearly 10% (15,065 vs. 16,696), with 1,600 fewer incidents compared to last year. For the month of December, robberies declined by 15% (1,039 vs 1,224).

Burglary dropped nearly 4% (12,777 vs. 13,301), marking the third consecutive year of declines. In December, burglary decreased by more than 15% (1,017 vs. 1,201) and by 9.9% (3,168 vs. 3,518) in the fourth quarter.

Auto theft decreased by 5% (13,520 vs. 14,233) citywide in 2025, with a nearly 8% (3,127 vs. 3,386) drop in the fourth quarter compared to 2024.

Grand larceny declined nearly 2% (48,034 vs. 48, 963).

In our housing developments, crime declined by 3.6% (5,794 vs. 6,009).

Hate crimes decreased by 12% (576 vs. 657) compared to 2024. Antisemitic incidents were down 3%, but still accounted for 57% of all hate crimes reported in 2025, despite Jewish New Yorkers representing approximately 10% of the city’s population.

Rape incidents increased by 16% (2,049 vs. 1,767). The rise in reported incidents is partly attributed to legislative changes made in September 2024 that importantly broadened the legal definition of rape in New York State to include additional forms of sexual assault. Domestic-violence-related rapes increased by 25%, and now account for roughly half of all reported rape cases citywide. To address this concerning trend, the NYPD launched the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) in October 2025 — the largest unit of its kind in the nation with 450 fully dedicated domestic violence investigators — to investigate domestic violence cases, build stronger relationships with survivors, and receive enhanced training. The NYPD continues to encourage survivors of sexual assault to come forward and report these incidents.

Felony assault increased by 0.4% (29,792 vs. 29,684). For the month of December, however, there were 106 fewer felony assault victims compared to the same period in 2024 (2,235 vs. 2,341), a decrease of 4.5% citywide. The increase in felony assaults is largely driven by assaults on public sector employees and domestic violence. Assaults on public sector employees, which include police officers, increased by roughly 25% in 2025. Domestic violence incidents accounted for 41% of recorded felony assaults. To address this issue directly, the Domestic Violence Unit will continue its work with providers and survivors to prevent and investigate domestic violence incidents.

Safest Year on the Subways in 16 Years, Excluding the Pandemic Years

Below ground, the NYPD delivered the safest year on the subways since 2009, excluding the pandemic years. For six consecutive months, major crime on the subways declined, contributing to a 4% (2,160 vs. 2,251) reduction in 2025. Officers recovered an all-time high of 77 firearms, which helped drive a 62.5% (3 vs. 8) reduction in shooting incidents as well as a 78.6% (3 vs. 14) reduction in shooting victims. This decline in violence also contributed to a drop in murders in the subway system, which reached their lowest levels in five years and declined 60% (4 vs. 10) from 2024.

Transit robberies reached their lowest levels ever, including the pandemic years, and fell 12.5% (398 vs. 455), compared to last year. Grand larceny pickpocketing within the subways declined to its lowest level outside of the pandemic years, down nearly 44% (122 vs. 217), compared to last year.

In January, the NYPD strategically shifted officers onto trains and platforms where the vast majority of transit crime — 73% in 2025 — occurs. This targeted deployment has led to a more secure, orderly transit system. New Yorkers are feeling the results: a recent MTA poll revealed that seven out of ten subway riders say they feel safe in the transit system, an increase of 12% from the start of 2025.

Finally, the NYPD continues to deploy drones to monitor, respond to, and intervene in subway surfing incidents.  Drones enabled 163 rescues and overall subway surfing incidents declined 37% (11 vs. 16) compared to 2024.

Addressing Retail Theft

In addition to historic declines across index and subway crime, the NYPD’s revamped strategy on retail theft led to a 14% (52, 696 vs. 61,328) decline in retail theft citywide compared to 2024.

Last year, the NYPD developed and executed a new strategy to respond to retail theft, a recidivist-driven crime, including identifying the patterns driving retail theft, concentrating resources at high-propensity locations during peak hours, and shifting from pass-through enforcement to sustained investigation.

Tackling the Daily Issues that Make People Feel Unsafe

In April 2025, the NYPD launched a new Quality of Life Division to respond to the daily issues that impact New Yorkers’ sense of safety. Since 2019, 311 calls have increased substantially by 104%.  Q-Teams directly address this issue by focusing on non-emergency 311 and 911 concerns, including cracking down on illegal mopeds, towing abandoned and derelict vehicles, ticketing illegally parked cars, and responding to noise complaints. Citywide, response times for quality-of-life issues improved by an average of 22 minutes in 2025, despite call volume up nearly 10%. The NYPD increased the number of 311 calls it directly addressed and resolved by more than 16%. Since launching, Q-Teams have shut down 465 smoke shops, towed over 15,640 vehicles, and seized 12,571 illegal e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters.

Focused Enforcement Leads to Historic Lows in Traffic Fatalities

The NYPD’s Transportation Bureau kept New Yorkers safe on our roads as well, helping deliver the fewest traffic fatalities in recorded city history. Traffic fatalities dropped by 19% (205 vs. 253) compared to last year. These numbers are the direct result of focused enforcement in priority corridors with the highest numbers of collisions. In 2025, arrests for DWIs increased by 14.6% (4,087 vs. 3,568).

In January, the NYPD announced a new vehicle pursuit policy, outlining clear standards and guidelines that limited pursuits to the most serious, dangerous crime. In the months following the policy change, vehicle pursuits decreased by more than 60% (864 vs. 2,279) compared to 2024. Additionally, fatalities fell by more than 80%, collisions dropped by nearly 50%, and injuries were cut almost in half.

Addressing the Rise in Youth Violence

Despite historic public safety gains in violent crime, youth violence continues to rise as a percentage of overall violent crime. In 2025, 14% of shooting victims were under the age of 18, a 5.2% increase from last year, while 18% of shooting perpetrators were also under 18. Both are at the highest percentages since the NYPD began tracking this data in 2018.

In response, last fall, the department implemented School Safety Zones, modeled after Violence Reduction Zones, to ensure youth are safe. These zones focus on the places where young people are most at risk: commuter corridors, bus stops, and the routes students take to and from school. The early results show that the data-driven strategy is working — overall crime is down 53% and shooting incidents and shooting victims are down more than 75%. The NYPD also changed its strategy with school safety agents, increasing deployments in and around schools. Since implementing this new approach, crime in schools is down 22% with less enforcement. Arrests in schools have dropped 21%.

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change. *

Index Crime Statistics: December 2025

	Dec. 2025	Dec. 2024	+/-	% Change
Murder	315	324	-9	-37.5%
Rape	167	152	15	9.9%
Robbery	1039	1224	-185	-15.1%
Felony Assault	2235	2341	-106	-4.5%
Burglary	1017	1201	-184	-15.3%
Grand Larceny	3783	3707	76	2.1%
Grand Larceny Auto	988	925	63	6.8%
TOTAL	9244	9574	-330	-3.4%

Index Crime Statistics: EOY 2025

	EOY 2025	EOY 2025	+/-	% Change
Murder	305	382	-77	-20.2%
Rape	2049	1767	282	16%
Robbery	15065	16696	-1631	-9.8%
Felony Assault	29792	29684	108	0.4%
Burglary	12777	13301	-524	-3.9%
Grand Larceny	48034	48963	-929	-1.9%
Grand Larceny Auto	13520	14233	-713	-5%
TOTAL	121542	125026	-3484	-2.8%

Additional Statistics: December 2025

	Dec. 2025	Dec. 2024	+/-	% Change
Transit	207	201	6	3%
Housing	415	490	-75	-15.3%
Shooting Incidents	35	61	-26	-42.6%

Additional Statistics: EOY 2025

	EOY 2025	EOY 2024	+/-	% Change
Transit	2160	2251	-91	-4%
Housing	5794	6009	-215	-3.6%
Shooting Incidents	687	904	-217	-24%

Hate Crime Statistics: December 2025

(Representing Dec 1 – Dec 31 for calendar years 2025 and 2024)

Motivation	2025	2024	+/-	% Change
Age	0	3	-3	-100%
Asian	5	7	-2	-29%
Black	3	6	-3	-50%
Ethnic	0	7	-7	-100%
Gender	0	2	-2	-100%
Hispanic	1	3	-2	-67%
Jewish	40	23	17	74%
Muslim	4	1	3	300%
Religion	0	2	-2	-100%
Sexual Orientation	5	19	-14	-74%
White	1	0	1	*****
Grand Total	59	73	-14	-19%

Hate Crime Statistics: EOY 2025

(Representing Jan 1 – Dec 31 for calendar years 2025 and 2024)

 

Motivation	2025	2024	+/-	% Change
Age	0	3	-3	-100%
Asian	25	38	-13	-34%
Black	45	40	5	13%
Ethnic	16	38	-22	-58%
Gender	28	26	2	8%
Hispanic	8	14	-6	-43%
Jewish	330	339	-9	-3%
Muslim	30	43	-13	-30%
Religion	31	21	10	48%
Sexual Orientation	52	84	-32	-38%
White	11	11	0	0%
Grand Total	576	657	-81	-12%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon investigation, as active possible bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data. 

Mayor Mamdani Signs Two Emergency Executive Orders

 

Directs city agencies to develop plans to come into compliance with Board of Corrections’ Minimum Standards & city shelter laws  

  

Mayor also instructs city agencies to work with federal monitor & Nunez parties to develop plan to implement Local Law 42  banning solitary confinement  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed two new executive orders directing his agencies to bring the City into compliance with the Board of Corrections’ Minimum Standards and city shelter laws that were suspended during the influx of asylum seekers. The Mayor has also instructed the Law Department to work with the federal monitor and all parties in Nunez v. City of New York to develop a plan to implement City Council’s Local Law 42.  

 

“I was elected because of my values, and my promise to always be honest with New Yorkers — and now is a moment for blunt truths. The previous Administration’s refusal to meet their legal obligations on Rikers has left us with troubling conditions that will take time to resolve,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “In order to fix this, I am signing a new emergency executive order instructing the relevant agencies to develop a compliance plan within 45 days. I am also directing the Law Department to work with the federal monitor and the parties in court so that we can end solitary confinement. I applaud the Public Advocate and the City Council for the passage of Local Law 42 and for always standing up for people on Rikers, despite tremendous opposition from City Hall at the time. We will work closely with the federal monitor and the parties to put the City back on track to end solitary confinement as soon as possible.” 

 

Corporation Counsel nominee Steve Banks said: “In order to stop conditions on Rikers from deteriorating any further, the Mayor is signing a new emergency executive order that instructs the Department of Correction and the Law Department to develop a plan within 45 days to come into compliance with the Board of Corrections’ Standards. The Mayor has also directed the Law Department to work with the federal court monitor and the parties in the Nunez case to develop a plan to implement the provisions of the City Council’s Local Law 42 that the City had previously asked the federal court to block.”  

 

In its first week, the Mamdani Administration is taking action to ensure the City better serves New Yorkers. Emergency Executive Order 1 instructs the Department of Corrections and the Law Department to develop a plan within 45 days to come into compliance with the Board of Corrections’ Minimum Standards. Additionally, the Mayor has directed the Law Department to work with the federal monitor and all Nunez parties to develop a plan to implement Local Law 42, which bans solitary confinement.  

 

Emergency Executive Order 2 instructs the Law Department and Department of Social Services to develop a plan within 45 days to come into compliance with city shelter law requiring cooking facilities in shelters for families with children and capacity limits on adult shelters. Effective immediately, the executive order will end the suspension of a broad range of health and safety codes, building codes, and land use rules, which the City used to open new shelters. 

Justice Department Sues to Revoke Naturalized Citizenship of Individual Facing a War Crimes Arrest Warrant in Bosnia

 

The Department of Justice filed a civil complaint to revoke the citizenship of Sead Miljkovic also known as Sead Dukic, who hid his true identity to come to the United States in 1996 and, ultimately, to naturalize as a U.S. citizen in 2007. Among other facts, Miljkovic failed to disclose to immigration authorities that he had used more than one name and had listed more than one date and place of birth, more than one name for his father, and more than one woman as his wife in his various applications.

Miljkovic is a former member of the security forces of the short-lived Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB), who was subject to an arrest warrant issued by a court in Bosnia for war crimes against civilians when the U.S. Government granted him naturalized citizenship.

“This Administration will not permit aliens to come to this country and hide their past to acquire the precious gift of U.S. citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Decades might pass, but when we find you, we will take action.”

The warrant, issued on Jan. 23, 2007, led to an INTERPOL Red Notice alleging that, on June 18, 1994, and while acting as a member of the APZB security forces, Miljkovic physically mistreated civilians who were opposed to the APZB government. According to the Red Notice, Miljkovic and accomplices beat twelve civilians with wooden bats and locked them in a morgue for five days without access to light or water. Miljkovic has not yet appeared before a Bosnian court on these charges.

This case is being civilly prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, after investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations.  

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR’S BILL SIGNED INTO LAW TO SPEED UP AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION, GET SIDEWALK SHEDS DOWN FAST

 

GROUNDBREAKING BILL SAVES TIME AND MONEY BY RESOLVING ACCESS TO ADJOINING LOTS

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar proudly announced that her legislation A357B has been signed into law, modernizing New York’s laws on accessing neighboring properties for improvement and repairs. Now in effect, her law cuts red tape, kickstarts construction, and completes projects fast—allowing sidewalk sheds to come down faster—all while protecting the rights of neighboring property owners.

The Assemblywoman’s bill creates a clear, predictable framework when property owners need temporary access to adjoining property to safely complete projects. In the dense urban environment that is the Big Apple, such projects can easily require access to ten or more neighboring lots. It clarifies notice requirements; defines common construction activities such as scaffolding, sidewalk sheds, and safety netting; and gives courts greater discretion to resolve access disputes efficiently. By reducing uncertainty and litigation delays, the law allows critical safety work to proceed without unnecessary and expensive stoppages—shortening construction timelines and speeding up sidewalk shed removal.

At the same time, A357B strengthens protections for adjoining property owners. The law requires reasonable prior notice, mandates insurance coverage, holds builders liable for any damage, and ensures neighbors are reasonably compensated for any loss of use and enjoyment during construction.

Rajkumar’s bill will swiftly resolve the occasions where adjoining property owners refuse access or demand extortionary compensation. Before her law, people seeking to perform much-needed repairs or build affordable housing faced the difficult choice of lengthy and expensive legal wrangling in Supreme Court and hoping for a favorable outcome—during which time costs pile up and construction sites and sidewalk sheds lie fallow—or caving in to neighbors’ demands. The outdated system of negotiating access created nightmare cases such as $1 million in added costs to construct a 250 unit affordable housing development, and an additional $800,000 for a development with 40% affordable units.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “Good contracts make good neighbors, and now all neighbors will enjoy a fair, efficient, and transparent process when one needs access to the other’s property. My bill makes home and building repairs faster, safer, and easier for all New Yorkers. It gets unsightly sidewalk sheds down and affordable housing up. This is a win for homeowners, tenants, and safer communities.”

The Assemblywoman’s bill passed unanimously with the support of a host of stakeholders, including the Business Council of New York, the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, the Associated General Contractors of New York State, the Building & Realty Institute of Westchester & the Mid-Hudson Region, and the Office of the Mayor.

Repeat Offender Engaged in Fentanyl Trafficking in Spokane Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal Prison

 

United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.

According to Court documents, the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had an active drug trafficking investigation into Crause who was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Based on that investigation officers obtained search warrants for his residence and vehicle. Those warrants were executed on October 8, 2024 at which time, officers located multiple controlled substances to include over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Also found during the search, were multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause. In addition, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle and Crause’s person.

“Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.

“Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community.” Stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. “Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community.”

Detective Brian Eckersley said that he is very proud of the hard-working Detectives in the Spokane Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. They work many long nights putting these cases together. The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution. This prosecution was even more rewarding for us, because we stopped, Crause from trafficking fentanyl. After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped. He clearly used personal protection equipment when handling the fentanyl. However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child, who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. 

ICE Lodges Detainers for Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested for Trafficking More Than 300 Pounds of Cocaine Hidden in a Semi-Truck in Indiana

 

Two criminal illegal aliens accused of trafficking cocaine were issued Commercial Drivers Licenses by Gavin Newsom’s California

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged arrest detainers for two criminal illegal aliens from India arrested for smuggling more than 300 pounds of cocaine inside a semi-truck in Putnam County, Indiana. With a lethal dose of cocaine being as little as 1.2 grams, that is enough to kill more than 113,000 Americans.

On January 4, 2026, ICE lodged detainers for Gurpreet Singh, a 25-year-old male and criminal illegal alien from India, and Jasveer Singh, a 30-year-old male and criminal illegal alien from India, following their arrest by local authorities in Putnam County, Indiana for narcotics trafficking.

Gurpreet Singh

Jasveer Singh

Law enforcement located 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in the sleeper berth of the semi-truck they were operating during a routine truck inspection. Both individuals were given Commercial Drivers Licenses issued by the state of California.

Law enforcement located 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in the sleeper berth of the semi-truck the two aliens were operating 

“Thanks to Gavin Newsom’s reckless policies, these two criminal illegal aliens were granted commercial drivers licenses by the state of California and were arrested for trafficking a whopping 300 pounds of cocaine inside a semi-truck,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Gavin Newsom and his fellow sanctuary politicians even refused to honor an arrest detainer on one of these criminal illegal aliens in December. Sanctuary policies put American lives at risk. ICE law enforcement lodged arrest detainers to ensure these drug traffickers are not allowed back into American communities.”

Gurpreet Singh illegally entered the U.S. on March 11, 2023 near Lukeville, Arizona and was released into the country under the Biden administration. Gurpreet Singh freely admitted to law enforcement that he was a citizen of India and illegally in the U.S.

Jasveer Singh illegally entered the U.S. on March 21, 2017 near Otay Mesa, California. He was arrested on December 5, 2025 for receiving stolen property in San Bernardino, California. ICE lodged an arrest detainer. Due to Governor Newsom’s sanctuary polices, the detainer was not honored, and this criminal illegal alien was released back into American communities.

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES 3 JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

The mayor appointments and reappointments reflect commitment to accountability, fairness, and safety for New Yorkers  

Mayor Mamdani also announced 9 judicial reappointments  

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced 3 new judicial appointments which will be subject to a public hearing for official appointment in January: Cary Fischer, Natalie Barros, and Andrés Casas.  

 

"New Yorkers deserve a justice system that delivers accountability, safety, and fairness across the five boroughs. I am proud to announce these judicial appointments, whose depth of experience and commitment to impartiality will strengthen our courts and restore public trust," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 

 

•  Judge Cary Fischer began his legal career with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Criminal Court, Grand Jury and Narcotics Bureaus. After six years, he joined the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, initially as an Assistant District Attorney in the Crimes Against Children Trial Bureau. Thereafter, he was promoted to Senior Trial Attorney, then Deputy Bureau Chief of the Red Zone Trial Bureau. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Fischer served as the Bureau Chief of the Early Case Assessment Bureau and New York Law School, Adjunct Professor of the Criminal Prosecution Clinic. 

 

•  Judge Natalie Barros started her legal career with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in the Criminal Court and Trial Bureaus, where she served for a decade before joining the New York State Unified Court System. There, Judge Barros served as a Court Attorney in Criminal Court, Richmond County. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as a Supervising Court Attorney. 

 

•  Judge Andres Casas started his legal career working with The Safe Passage Project as a Pro Bono Attorney. He then left to serve as an Assistant District Attorney with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office where he remained for 4 years before joining the New York State Unified Court System. There he served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Kings County before briefly leaving to work as a Litigation Attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Prior to his appointment, Judge Casas resumed his service with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Richmond County. 

 

In addition to these new appointments, Mayor Zohran Mamdani also announced 9 judicial reappointments: 

 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani reappointed the following judges to Criminal Court:  

 

•  Judge Steven Hornstein was first appointed to the Criminal Court in January 2013, then reappointed January 2016. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide, Transit, Violent Crime and Criminal Court Bureaus for the Bronx County District Attorney's Office before becoming a Supervisor in the Grand Jury Bureau and Burglary-Auto-Gun Unit.  Judge Hornstein then left to establish his private practice as a solo criminal defense practitioner. Then he created a partnership firm specializing in criminal defense which he maintained for 18 years. Prior to his initial appointment, Judge Hornstein had returned to solo criminal defense practice. 

 

•  Judge Althea Drysdale was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2015, then as a Criminal Court Judge in January 2016. Judge Drysdale started her career at the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division where she served as a Staff Attorney for a decade before joining the New York County Defender Services. There she served as a Senior Trial Attorney for eight years, prior to her initial appointment to the bench.   

 

•  Judge Joshua Glick was first appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in August 2021. He began his legal career with The Legal Aid Society, Queens County Criminal Defense Practice before joining Queens Defenders where he served for 14 years while also operating his own practice. Judge Glick was then briefly employed as a Principal Law Clerk to a New York State Supreme Court Justice and as an Associate with a private firm. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he returned to the Queens Defenders as a Supervising Attorney while also maintaining his own practice. 

 

•  Judge Jerry Iannece was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in May 2017, before being appointed to Criminal Court in January 2018. He began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office and subsequently went into private practice, maintaining a general practice partnership, including criminal defense work, for 29 years before his initial appointment to the bench. 

 

•  Judge Nancy Carrington was first appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in September 2024. Judge Carrington started her legal career as an associate at several law firms before joining the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in the Domestic Violence, Trials, and Criminal Court Bureaus. She then served as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Criminal Court Bureau before leaving to join the New York State Unified Court System. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Carrington served as a principal court attorney in Supreme Court, Kings County, Criminal Term. 

 

•  Judge Michael Hartofilis was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2018. He began his legal career with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office where he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Criminal Court, Grand Jury, Homicide Investigations, Narcotics and Supreme Court Trial Bureaus. Judge Hartofilis then established his own criminal defense practice, which he maintained for 22 years, prior to his appointment to the bench.  

 

•  Judge David Goodwin was first appointed as a Criminal Court judge in January 2025. He began his legal career as a Staff Attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Judge Goodwin then joined the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey as a Law Clerk, after which he was appointed a Warren H. Sinsheimer fellow working with the Partnership for Children’s Rights. He served again as a Law Clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit before moving on to join the Appellate Advocates as a Senior Staff Attorney. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Goodwin served as a Supervising Staff Attorney in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Office of Legal Affairs. 

 

Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani reappointed the following judges to Family Court: 

 

•  Judge Gayle Roberts was first appointed as a Family Court Judge in April 1997, she was then reappointed in December 2005 and February 2016. After starting her career as a Staff Attorney with Mid-Hudson Legal Services, Judge Roberts joined the Bronx County District Attorney's Office where she was first an Assistant District Attorney, then a Supervisor of the Criminal Court Bureau. Prior to her initial appointment to the bench, she was serving as a Deputy Bureau Chief of the Trial Division. 

 

•  Judge Lauren Norton-Lerner was first appointed to the Interim Civil Court in June 2025 and has been serving in Family Court. She started her legal career as an Investigative Attorney with the United States Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration before leaving to join the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Division of Legal Services as an Attorney Level III/ Team Leader. She then joined a series of private firms before leaving to serve with the New York State Unified Court System as a Court Attorney in Family Court, Queens County. Judge Norton-Lerner served as Court Attorney Referee in Family Court, Bronx and Queens counties for 13 years prior to her appointment to the bench. 

  

Less Traffic, Better Transit: On Its First Anniversary, Governor Hochul Celebrates Transformational Success of Congestion Pricing

27 Million Fewer Vehicles Entered the Congestion Relief Zone, Traffic Down 11%; Crossing Speeds Up by as Much as 51%; Transit Ridership Up 7%

Congestion Pricing Delivers Cleaner Air and Safer Streets: Pollution Down 22% in the Zone and Down Throughout Region; Crashes Down 7% and Traffic Injuries Down 8%

Manhattan Economy is Thriving: Best Year for Office Leasing in 23 Years; Foot Traffic Up From 2024; Sales Tax Receipts up Over 6%

$15 Billion in Funding Unlocked to Advance Critical Transit Improvements Including New Railcars, Signal Upgrades and the Second Avenue Subway

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that on its one-year anniversary, New York City’s first-in-the-nation congestion pricing program has been a transformational success, reducing traffic, improving quality of life and supporting billions in transit upgrades. In its first year, congestion pricing resulted in 27 million fewer vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) of Manhattan south of 60th St, an 11 percent reduction in traffic. Reduced gridlock has improved commute times across the region, especially at crossings into the CRZ, with some drivers saving as much as 15 minutes each way. Congestion pricing has reduced emissions, made streets safer, improved quality of life, and has generated over $550 million in net revenue in its first year, allowing the MTA to proceed with $15 billion in transit improvement projects. Governor Hochul has also stood strong to defend congestion pricing from unlawful federal efforts to terminate the program. One year in, congestion pricing is working and it is legal.

“The results are in and it is clear that in just one year, congestion pricing has been an unprecedented success in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “By every measure, this program has met or exceeded expectations: traffic and gridlock are down substantially, people are moving faster, air quality is improved, streets are safer and our economy is stronger. New Yorkers are benefitting from congestion pricing every day, and that’s why we have fought to stop any unlawful federal attempt to end this program. And there are even more benefits to come: $15 billion in transit upgrades with major projects already underway, improving the commutes of millions of New Yorkers.”

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “I want to thank all who worked on this program over the years. The congestion pricing experience demonstrates what the new MTA can accomplish working with our State and City partners. The result here is flawless execution and unprecedented benefits for all New Yorkers.”

New York State and the MTA have successfully fought off repeated legal challenges to congestion pricing and have stood up to block the unlawful attempts of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Trump Administration to terminate the program. In May, a preliminary injunction was issued in the case of Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Duffy, keeping congestion pricing in effect pending further court proceedings and enjoining the federal government from taking retaliatory measures in response.

Since congestion pricing commenced at 12:00 am on January 5, 2025, it has delivered a wide array of benefits according to data from the MTA and other reports from business groups, government agencies and academic institutions.

Congestion Pricing Has Reduced Gridlock

Following the launch of congestion pricing, over 27 million fewer cars have entered the CRZ. On any given day, over 73,000 fewer vehicles are entering the zone, an 11 percent reduction on average. Crossings entering and exiting the CRZ experienced especially pronounced speed improvements, with morning rush hour traffic speeds up an average of 23 percent.

• Brooklyn Bridge: 15 percent faster
• Holland Tunnel: 51 percent faster
• Hugh L Carey Tunnel: 10.8 percent faster
• Lincoln Tunnel: 24.7 percent faster
• Manhattan Bridge: 6.7 percent faster
• Queensboro Bridge: 29.3 percent faster
• Queens-Midtown Tunnel: 18.4 percent faster
• Williamsburg Bridge: 28.3 percent faster

Reduced gridlock is speeding up trips for motorists and transit riders. Within the CRZ, bus speeds increased 2.3 percent, reversing the trend of declining speeds seen in 2023 and 2024. Weekday vehicle speeds in the CRZ were up 4 percent compared to 2024, with weekends seeing a 6.2 percent improvement. Deliveries and the movement of goods in the CRZ are also being completed faster, with truck speeds up 5.6 percent compared to 2024.

The amount of driving done in the CRZ has declined as well, with the total Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) down by 7.1 percent. The share of personal vehicles like cars, pickup trucks and vans entering the CRZ has declined by six percentage points since the launch of congestion pricing.

Congestion pricing has also yielded benefits outside of the CRZ, including in previously identified Environmental Justice Communities. The BQE saw a 5 percent reduction in total traffic and a 10.2 percent reduction in truck traffic. The Cross Bronx Expressway saw total traffic decline by 7.4 percent and truck traffic drop by 4.3 percent. The Major Deegan Expressway in Mott Haven experienced a total traffic reduction of 7.1 percent, with truck traffic down 9.2 percent.

Roads approaching the CRZ are moving faster as well: sections of Flatbush Ave approaching the Manhattan Bridge saw speed increases of 6 percent, I-495 in New Jersey has experienced a 15 percent speed increase approaching the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Gowanus Expressway saw a 7 percent improvement between the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.

New York City’s Economy is Thriving

The launch of congestion pricing has coincided with a booming Manhattan economy. On metrics ranging from office leasing rates to Broadway ticket sales, 2025 saw business up in the CRZ and in New York City as a whole.

Manhattan’s office economy is thriving. In July of 2025, New York City became the first major American city to exceed pre-pandemic office traffic, according to data from placer.ai. Office leasing has surged in 2025: according to a recent report from Colliers, office leasing activity in Q3 2025 was up 9.2 percent year over year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and on track for the highest volume of new office leases since 2002. There are one percentage point fewer vacant storefronts in the CRZ in the year since the program launched, according to NYC Economic Development Corporation data. Jobs increased as well, with NYS Department of Labor statistics showing private sector employment in New York City up 2.0 percent in August, more than double the national rate of 0.9 percent.

Economic activity has increased both in the CRZ and across New York City. Data from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance shows that sales tax receipts were up 6.3 percent in New York City in 2025 through November, exceeding the state’s average, three times higher than neighboring Westchester County and more than six times higher than neighboring Nassau county. In 2025, Broadway had its best season in history, with $1.9 billion in ticket sales, up 23 percent from the previous season. Restaurant reservations and retail sales were also up in the CRZ, according to industry reports.

More people are entering the CRZ to work and visit since the launch of congestion pricing. Foot traffic increased by 3.4 percent in the zone, compared to a boroughwide increase of 1.4 percent. Transit ridership also rose entering and within the CRZ; according to MTA data, subway trips entering the zone increased by 9 percent, with express bus trips up 7.8 percent and local bus trips up 8.4 percent. 

Congestion Pricing Has Improved Quality of Life

Congestion pricing has produced benefits that extend far beyond reduced traffic and faster trips; it has yielded transformative benefits to the quality of life of New Yorkers.

Preliminary data has shown improved air quality since congestion pricing launched. A recent study from Cornell University found that air pollution, in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller, dropped by 22 percent in the CRZ, with reductions seen across the five boroughs and surrounding suburbs. MTA data also found a 6.1 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the zone through Q3 of 2025. Reduced gridlock is also driving down noise pollution. According to 311 data, vehicle noise complaints for issues like horn honking decreased in the CRZ by 17 percent compared to 2024.

Reduced traffic has corresponded with a record year for street safety in New York City. Crashes within the CRZ declined by 7 percent, with traffic injuries down 8 percent. Traffic fatalities were down by 40 percent in the CRZ as of July, according to data from the NYPD. Citywide, 2025 saw the fewest traffic deaths in recorded history, with fatalities down 19 percent from 2024. Safety was improved for motorists, pedestrians, and the cyclists who take 600,000 trips each day: pedestrian fatalities were down 9 percent, and cyclist fatalities on New York City’s streets decreased to 20, compared to 23 in 2024.

Critical Transit Improvement Projects are Underway

Congestion pricing has consistently met monthly revenue targets needed to generate the projected $500 million in annual net revenue. As of November 2025, $518 million in net tolling revenue has been collected and allocated to support transit improvements and mitigation initiatives, with preliminary projections for year-end exceeding $550 million in net revenues.

Overall, the program allows the MTA to proceed with $15 billion in funding for the 2020-2024 Capital Plan, advancing projects to rebuild, improve and expand the transit system. A third of that funding is dedicated towards performing critical state of good repair work to ensure the continued reliability of the transit system.

Projects funded by congestion pricing include:

• Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 ($3B)
• Signal upgrades along the AC and BDFM lines ($3B)
• Accessibility improvements to 23+ subway stations ($2B)
• New railcars and buses ($2B)
• State of Good Repair projects ($5B)

As of January 1, 2026, more than $6 billion in projects unlocked by Congestion Relief are in construction, including Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, ADA upgrades at nine stations, new signals serving more than 600,000 A/C riders in Brooklyn and Queens, and systemwide state of good repair work.

Mitigation Initiative Progress

The MTA and its project sponsors continue to deliver on the mitigation and monitoring commitments outlined in the Final Environmental Assessment (EA). The MTA and sponsors committed to $125 million in total mitigations across eight initiatives, with every initiative now in progress. Final implementation has now begun for three mitigations:

• Expand NYC Clean Trucks Program ($20M): Implementation has begun. NYC DOT will begin accepting new applications for rebate incentives by the spring.
• Expand NYC DOT Off-Hours Delivery Program ($5M): Implementation is in progress. In partnership with NYC DOT to improve safety and reduce daytime truck traffic, NYC DOT will begin onboarding new participants in Q1 2026.
• Replacement of Truck Refrigeration Units (TRUs) at Hunts Point Market ($15M): Implementation is in progress. Replacing up to 1,000 TRUs will result in major nitrogen oxide and particulate matter reductions — replacement of a single TRU avoids the equivalent of particulate-matter emissions from 330 truck trips a day on the Cross Bronx Expressway. The first unit was delivered in December 2025.