Baltimore murder rate falls after repeat‑offender crackdown
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says an aggressive prosecutorial strategy focused on repeat violent offenders and use of Maryland’s mandatory‑minimum gun enhancements has coincided with declines in homicides and nonfatal shootings. Bates’ office reports sending 2,129 repeat violent offenders to prison in two years; Baltimore Police Department data show a 23% drop in homicides in 2024 and further reductions through June 30, 2025, while seizures and clearance rates have risen.
Crime
Legal
📌 Key Facts
- Ivan Bates says his office sent 2,129 repeat violent offenders to prison in two years, double the prior administration’s total.
- Baltimore Police Department data: homicides fell 23% in 2024 (201 vs. 261 in 2023); non‑fatal shootings dropped 34% (414 vs. 635); through June 30, 2025 homicides were down 22% (68 vs. 88).
- Law‑enforcement outcomes cited include more than 1,300 firearms seized (about 150 ghost guns) and homicide clearance rates around 64%.