The number of stabbings has increased significantly in New York City over the past 12 months, according to statistics obtained by the New York Post.
The newspaper obtained the most recent data from the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
As of August 11, the number of attacks was up 6% to 3,582 such events, compared to 3,370 in the same period last year. Of these attacks, 60 were fatal, compared to 54 in 2023.
Retired NYPD detective Michael Alcazar says the increase in stabbings is being driven by New York City street gangs and rising youth crime.
“As the New York police intensify their crackdown on gun ownership, perpetrators are resorting to carrying knives instead,” he said.
David Sarni, a retired New York City investigator, said more people are carrying bladed weapons for protection. He hopes to see elected officials do more to protect the city.
“I’m not impressed with city officials,” he said. “They seem more concerned about police than they are about stopping violence in neighborhoods.”
