The results include the lowest number of shootings in state history for a second year in a row.
In 2024, 778 victims suffered gunshot injuries in New Jersey, a drop of 16% from 2023, officials said, when a then-record low of 924 shooting victims marked the first time that fewer than 1,000 gun violence victims were recorded since tracking began in 2009.
Of the total victims shot in 2024, there were 152 fatalities, a reduction of 20% from 2023.
Murphy also announced an 11% decrease from 2023 in auto thefts.
According to state police, the total number of thefts went from 16,694 in 2023 to 14,755 statewide last year.
One of the last car thefts of 2024 took place in Hillside where a mom and daughter confronted the thieves as they were backing the stolen car out the driveway.
The governor said curbing auto thefts is a crucial step in decreasing violent crime overall.
"The meticulous coordination of Attorney General Platkin, Colonel Callahan, our legislative partners, and our local law enforcement officers has played a tremendous role in achieving historically low shootings for a second consecutive year," said Murphy in a statement. "Together, we are determined to continue combatting violence and crime as we build a safer, stronger New Jersey for all."
Murphy was accompanied at Wednesday's announcement by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan.
Callahan says the key is cooperation between local, state and federal authorities when it comes to cracking down on crime.
"We have to bat .1000 here, and we're not yet, but we'll continue to do our best," he said.
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