BOSTON— Boston is reeling as the city’s homicide rate skyrocketed by 30% in 2025, jumping from 24 to 31 murders. This alarming increase has raised serious concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement, despite claims from officials that the city remains the “safest major city in the country.”

According to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, the 31 homicides still represent the lowest rate in the past two decades, excluding the unusually low numbers from 2024. However, critics are questioning how a spike in murders can be reconciled with safety claims made by Mayor Michelle Wu, who recently touted her administration's efforts to protect families in every neighborhood.

"Increased homicides mean increased trauma," says Ruth Zakarin, CEO of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. "Every shooting is a crisis, leaving families and communities devastated." Of the 31 homicides recorded, 19 were victims of gun violence, and over 100 people were reportedly shot in Boston last year and survived.

While overall violent crime trends downward, with most categories below five-year averages, the rise in homicide numbers has raised eyebrows. "Three of the 31 homicides occurred in previous years but were only classified as such in 2025," officials noted, hinting at potential discrepancies in how crimes are reported and investigated.

As the city grapples with these rising numbers, community leaders emphasize the need for holistic solutions rather than just statistics. "We have to think regionally," Zakarin warned, connecting Boston's violence to surrounding areas like Randolph, Brockton, Lynn, and Lawrence. The pain of gun violence extends beyond city limits, creating a public health crisis that demands urgent attention.

With these shocking numbers fresh in the minds of Bostonians, it remains to be seen how city officials will respond to the growing discontent and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of its residents. The call for action is louder than ever as families mourn their losses in silence, longing for a city where safety is not just a promise, but a reality.