Shooting victims surge 130% in Bronx neighborhoods in 2024
- The 52nd Precinct in the Bronx has seen a 130% increase in shooting victims in 2024, rising from 13 to 30.
- A recent triple shooting incident in May resulted in two deaths, highlighting tensions between residents and newcomers.
- Experts indicate that the rise in violence is largely gang-related, suggesting a return to historical crime patterns in these neighborhoods.
In 2024, the 52nd Precinct in the Bronx, which includes neighborhoods like Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, and Norwood, has experienced a significant increase in shooting victims, rising from 13 to 30, marking a 130% surge. This alarming trend contrasts with a citywide decline in shooting victims by 8% and shooting incidents by 11% compared to the previous year. However, both metrics have risen by 19% and 15%, respectively, over the past five years. A recent incident in May highlighted the escalating violence, where a dispute between migrant squatters and long-term residents led to a triple shooting, resulting in two fatalities. The suspect, Josue Ruben Silva, a 21-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, is still at large and has a prior criminal record. This incident underscores the tensions between established residents and newcomers in the area. According to law enforcement, the majority of shootings in the Bronx are gang-related, with the 52nd Precinct being heavily influenced by gang activity. Other precincts in New York City are also witnessing increases in shooting victims, with the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, Queens, seeing a 100% rise and the 34th Precinct in Manhattan experiencing an 80% increase. Experts warn that these neighborhoods, once known for their historical violence, are slipping back into troubling patterns reminiscent of the past. The rising crime rates in these areas raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies.