America’s murder rate is on track to reach its lowest point in more than a century, according to new data — but the good news is not evenly distributed.

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The Council on Criminal Justice reported Thursday that homicides in large American cities fell 18 percent in the first half of 2026. Across the 30 cities that reported data, 215 fewer people were killed compared to the same period last year. If nationwide FBI figures confirm the trend later this year, it would mark the lowest homicide rate since at least 1900.

From Breitbart: 

The CCJ analysis tracked 13 offenses across 36 cities, with 30 reporting homicide data. Those cities logged 215 fewer killings than in the same stretch last year. The historic-low finding depends on nationwide FBI figures expected later this year.

CCJ President and CEO Adam Gelb argued the decline crosses political and policy lines. “Murder and other crime rates are falling across the map, in cities with different political leadership, housing and economic conditions, policing and prosecution strategies, violence reduction models, and levels of federal enforcement activity,” Gelb said.

New York City ran its own count. Police logged 122 murders through June, down from 162 a year earlier, the fewest the city has recorded in the first six months of any year on record.

Some cities saw dramatic drops elsewhere too. Lincoln, Nebraska recorded zero murders in the first half of 2026, down from six the year before. Rochester, New York fell 76 percent, and Little Rock, Arkansas dropped 61 percent.

Eight cities bucked the trend. Norfolk, Virginia posted a 64 percent increase, San Francisco 55 percent, and Dallas 30 percent. Salt Lake City rose 20 percent, Austin 9 percent, Denver 6 percent, and Chicago and Charlotte each climbed 3 percent. Several police departments disputed the figures, saying their own data told a different story.

As for what is driving the decline, researchers were cautious. Report co-author Ernesto Lopez said the data does not connect the drop to President Trump’s National Guard deployments, noting that cities without those deployments saw large declines as well. The White House credited border security and federal law enforcement.

Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and every life saved is a gift from God. As intercessors we should receive this news with gratitude while continuing to pray for the cities still struggling — and for the families of every victim. Numbers tell part of the story. Behind each one is a person made in the image of God.

How are you praying for safety and justice in your community? Share your prayers in the comments below.

(Excerpt from Breitbart. Photo Credit: Gabriel Hohol/pexels)