According to preliminary data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), homicides in major U.S. cities fell by 17.2% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This decline in violent crime, which includes significant drops in robberies and aggravated assaults, has been observed across various cities and spans two presidential administrations.
The data indicates that homicides decreased from 14,200 reported violent crimes, with specific cities reporting notable reductions. For instance, Washington D.C. saw a 43.9% decrease in homicides, Memphis reported a 43.7% drop, and Houston experienced a 38.3% reduction. Philadelphia recorded a 27.2% decline.
However, some cities experienced increases in homicide rates, such as Honolulu, which saw an 85.7% rise, and San Diego, which increased by 81.3%. The Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) also reported a similar trend, with an 18% decrease in homicides among 30 cities in the first half of 2026.
The White House commented on the data, stating that President Trump is delivering on his promise to enhance safety in America.