Youth gun violence in the Bronx escalates as New York City’s overall crime rate declines, revealing a troubling disconnect within the community. In 2025 alone, the NYPD reports 38 shooting victims under the age of 21 and 64 minors arrested on gun-related charges, underscoring an urgent call for action from local leaders.
Bronx officials are urging parents to engage their children in preventative programs like BronxConnect’s Release the Grip, which aims to divert youth from street violence through internships and after-school activities. The community remains shaken by recent tragic incidents, including the death of 16-year-old Evette Jeffrey, who was killed by stray gunfire during a schoolyard fight, prompting calls for increased awareness and intervention.
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