Homicide rates continued to decline in major U.S. cities — by more than 40% in some communities — during the first nine months of the year, according to new data reviewed by Axios.

Why it matters: President Trump has sent, or threatened to send, National Guard troops to what he calls "hellhole" cities to fight escalating crime. But the latest numbers show homicides in several of those cities — namely D.C., Memphis, Chicago and Portland, Ore. — are dropping dramatically.

By the numbers: Reports from 67 law enforcement agencies showed an overall decline in homicides of 19% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to stats compiled by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA). • An Axios analysis of the MCCA data found that Buffalo, N.Y., Denver, Or

See Full Page