Surge in Stabbings and Slashings Plagues New York City Despite Strict Gun Control Measures
New York City, often hailed as a fortress of gun control, is grappling with a concerning rise in stabbings and slashings over the past four years. Despite its stringent gun control laws, the city remains a perilous place for many residents, as revealed by recently obtained NYPD data.
According to the statistics, the number of nonfatal stabbings has surged by an alarming 26% since 2019. From January 1 to August 13, this year alone, there have been 3,365 nonfatal incidents, contrasting with 2,666 such incidents recorded four years ago. Moreover, the figure represents a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 3,208 nonfatal knife violence cases.
Equally disturbing is the fact that 53 individuals have tragically lost their lives to blades this year, signifying a shocking 29% surge from 2019’s count of 41 deaths. However, it is worth noting that these figures show a decrease of 23% from the year 2022, which saw 69 fatalities due to knife-related incidents.
Paradoxically, while knife violence rises, the rate of gun violence in the Big Apple has dropped. Even after the Supreme Court’s decision in the New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case that curtailed the powers of anti-gun governments, New York City has managed to find ways to restrict the right to bear arms. Remarkably, the easier purchase and carrying of firearms have coincided with a decrease in gun-related incidents.
For instance, March 2023 witnessed a 26.1% decline in shooting incidents compared to March 2022 (85 versus 115). Moreover, the first quarter of this year saw a 23.2% drop in such incidents citywide, with 222 cases in contrast to the 289 reported during the same period last year. Additionally, the number of homicides for the month of March also fell by 11.4% (31 versus 35), continuing the downward trend of a 12.7% decrease in homicides during the first three months of 2023 (89 versus 102) compared to the previous year.
These declining numbers would be heartening if it weren’t for the disturbing rise in knife-related crimes. According to an officer, the surge is attributable to the ease and affordability of acquiring a knife when compared to a gun. He further expressed that even if someone carrying a knife is apprehended, the consequence is often no more than a summons, with minimal chances of imprisonment.
Law enforcement officers have also pointed out that criminals prefer knives due to their ease of concealment, allowing for stealthier ambushes against unsuspecting and unarmed citizens.
New York City’s crime problem is compounded by an anti-gunner lobby and far-leftist prosecutors who are often hesitant to prosecute violent offenders, exacerbating the situation.
Undoubtedly, if more responsible New Yorkers were armed, the prevalence of knife crimes would be significantly reduced. The knowledge that potential targets may be carrying firearms could act as a deterrent to would-be assailants. After all, even criminals understand the folly of bringing a knife to a potential gunfight.
Unfortunately, until legal challenges strike down the laws designed to circumvent the Bruen decision, the vulnerability of the city’s law-abiding citizens remains. It is disheartening that the state’s government seems more concerned about protecting criminals than safeguarding its law-abiding populace.
