Homicides, other violent crime down in Indianapolis this year
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Homicides in Indianapolis fell by nearly 30% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, new national crime data shows.
Why it matters: Indy's drop is consistent with many of the nation's large and midsize cities, reinforcing a broader decline in violent crime since the pandemic surge.
By the numbers: Indianapolis saw 57 homicides between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to stats compiled by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA).
- That's down from 80 in the same period in 2024.
- Nationwide, homicides fell by 19%, with decreases of at least 50% in Denver, Honolulu, Orlando and Tampa.
- In Indianapolis, incidents of rape, robbery and aggravated assault also declined.
Catch up quick: There was a notable increase in the rate of gun violence across the U.S. during the pandemic.
- The recent downward trend counters President Trump's false claims that immigration had sparked rising crime nationwide — a reason he gave for his mass deportation plan.
The latest: Though July was a violent month for Indianapolis, with 21 criminal homicides, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department data, the city is trending below 2024 numbers.
- Both criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings have been trending downward since their peak in 2021.
Zoom in: The 2026 city budget proposed earlier this month includes continued funding for violence reduction strategies like the Indy Peace Project, which is a major contributor to the success in reducing gun violence, according to Office of Public Health and Safety director Andrew Merkley.
What we're watching: Trump has said he will base federal grants to local police departments on whether they participate in his plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
- Local agencies that opt out of Trump's plans could face fewer resources to fight crime.
- IMPD Chief Chris Bailey has said immigration enforcement is "not our role."