Crime & Law
Shootings, Homicides in Chicago Up This Year as They Continue to Outpace Last Year’s Historic Lows
Police officers work the scene outside Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Lincoln Square, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Anthony Vazquez / Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
The number of shootings and homicides recorded through the first third of 2026 in Chicago continues to track above last year’s historically low pace, new Chicago Police Department data shows.
According to the CPD, there were 32 homicides in April, which marks a 39% increase over the 23 homicides recorded in the same month last year. Through the first four months of 2026, Chicago has seen 130 homicides, CPD data shows, up from the 120 recorded during the same period in 2025.
Shootings have also increased this year, with 115 recorded last month (up from 106 in April 2025) and 421 recorded thus far in 2026. That total is up 5% compared to last year.
According to the CPD, 139 people were shot in the city last month, bringing the 2026 total up to 501, an increase of 9% compared to the same time last year.
Despite the recent uptick, the 32 homicides last month were the second fewest for any April in Chicago in more than a decade, trailing only 2025’s total. Chicago last year ended with its lowest homicide total in 60 years.
Among those killed in the city last month was CPD Officer John Bartholomew, who was fatally shot inside Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital on April 25. His funeral is scheduled for later this week.
“As we prepare to lay our fallen hero to rest, we ask that the city continue to pray for Officer Bartholomew’s family,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a statement. “We will ensure his legacy and the sacrifice he made to keep the people of Chicago safe will never be forgotten.”
Bartholomew’s partner was also critically wounded in the shooting and continues “fighting for his life” at the hospital, the CPD said Tuesday. Alphanso Talley, 26, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting and is currently being detained pending trial.
Beyond the increase in shootings and homicides, police said they continue to see declines in the number of robberies (down 25% year-to-date), armed robberies (down 33%), burglaries (down 16%) and carjackings (down 15%) compared to last year.
Violent crime along the CTA’s train and bus lines was also down 33% last month and is down 15% year-to-date.
The CPD said officers have recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms this year, including an average of 29 each day throughout the month of April.
WTTW News coverage of policing and police reform is supported by The Joyce Foundation.
