Chicago recorded 37 murders in July 2026 an 18% decrease from the 45 murders recorded in July 2025 according to Chicago Police Department statistics released this week. Shooting incidents dropped 15% and shooting victims fell 21% compared to last July. Officers recovered 1,148 firearms in July alone averaging 37 guns seized every day of the month. The month also marked the retirement of Superintendent Larry Snelling and the swearing in of Interim Superintendent Fred L. Waller.

Chicago saw significant declines in murders and shootings in July 2026 compared to the same period last year according to Chicago Police Department crime statistics showing continued improvement from the violent peaks of 2023 and 2024.

The month also brought a significant leadership transition at the top of the department.

Leadership Transition at CPD

July 2026 marked a major leadership change at the Chicago Police Department.

Superintendent Larry Snelling a South Side native and more than 30 year CPD veteran retired from the department after leading it since September 2023. During his tenure Snelling oversaw major milestones including the 2024 Democratic National Convention and a record low reduction in shootings homicides and violent crime.

Snelling thanked the men and women of the Chicago Police Department and the people of Chicago in a letter announcing his retirement.

Before departing Snelling swore in Interim Superintendent Fred L. Waller who will lead the department through the transition.

Waller previously served in the same interim role for several months in 2023 and also previously served as Chief of Patrol bringing decades of CPD experience to the role.

July also marked the first month on the job for First Deputy Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti who now oversees day to day operations across the department.

Ursitti brings more than two decades of CPD experience most recently serving as Chief of the Bureau of Detectives for the past three years.

Forensic Lab Achieves National Accreditation

The Chicago Police Department’s Forensic Services Division achieved accreditation from the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board in July.

The forensic laboratory achieved accreditation on its first assessment attempt which is rare for a laboratory of its size.

The division fulfilled more than 400 requirements focusing on forensic testing processes staffing training documentation and accountability protocols as part of a multi-year comprehensive effort to strengthen investigations.

July 2026 Murder Statistics

Chicago recorded 37 murders in July 2026 an 18% decrease from the 45 murders recorded in July 2025. Compared to July 2024 when 69 murders were recorded the improvement is even more dramatic representing a 46% reduction over two years.

July 2026 Shooting Statistics

Shooting incidents in July 2026 totaled 153 down 15% from 180 in July 2025 and down 39% from the 250 shooting incidents recorded in July 2024.

Shooting victims in July 2026 totaled 200 down 21% from 254 in July 2025 and down 38% from 324 shooting victims in July 2024.

Year to Date Numbers

From January 1 through July 31 2026 Chicago recorded 250 homicides up 2% compared to 244 homicides during the same period in 2025.

However the year to date homicide count represents a 29% reduction from the 350 homicides recorded through July 2024 and a 33% reduction from the 374 homicides recorded through July 2023.

Shooting incidents through July 31 2026 totaled 840 essentially flat compared to 842 during the same period in 2025.

Shooting victims through July totaled 1,055 up 2% from 1,039 in 2025 but down significantly from 1,671 in 2024 and 1,730 in 2023.

Firearms Seizures

Chicago Police officers recovered 1,148 firearms in July 2026 alone averaging 37 firearms seized every day of the month.

Since January 1 2026 officers have recovered 6,298 firearms from Chicago streets.

Overall Crime Trends

Based on Uniform Crime Reporting figures overall Part I crimes fell 2% year to date and 15% month to date in July.

Violent crime is down 9% so far this year with a 10% month to date decline.

Property crime is down 1% over the last year with a 16% drop compared to July 2025.

Robberies are down 20% month to date with a 26% year to date decline.

Burglaries have fallen 12% since the start of the year and are down 13% compared to July 2025.

Part I transit crimes dropped 18% compared to July 2025 with a 29% year to date decline.

Violent crime on the CTA saw a 40% reduction in July and 30% for the year.

Homicide Clearance Rate

Through July 2026 the Bureau of Detectives has cleared 173 homicides for a homicide clearance rate of 69%.

Chicago Crime Comparison 2023 to 2026

MURDERS — JULY
2026 — 37
2025 — 45
2024 — 69
2023 — 62

SHOOTING INCIDENTS — JULY
2026 — 153
2025 — 180
2024 — 250
2023 — 271

SHOOTING VICTIMS — JULY
2026 — 200
2025 — 254
2024 — 324
2023 — 346

MURDERS — JANUARY 1 TO JULY 31
2026 — 250
2025 — 244
2024 — 350
2023 — 374

SHOOTING INCIDENTS — JANUARY 1 TO JULY 31
2026 — 840
2025 — 842
2024 — 1,347
2023 — 1,445

SHOOTING VICTIMS — JANUARY 1 TO JULY 31
2026 — 1,055
2025 — 1,039
2024 — 1,671
2023 — 1,730

All crime statistics are accurate as of August 1 2026 and are subject to change upon further investigation according to CPD.