For the second time this year, Portland has reported a significant milestone: a month without a homicide, signaling a hopeful trend in a city that has faced years of escalating violence.
The last homicide occurred on May 11, resulting in the tragic death of a 49-year-old man.
This notable absence of homicides from May 12 onward, along with a similar period between March 21 and April 21, contrasts sharply with the previous year, when the city recorded 34 homicides by this time and 39 in 2023.
Mayor Keith Wilson expressed pride in the recent month without homicide, emphasizing that this achievement stems from community collaboration and the diligence of individuals and families committed to neighborhood safety.
Despite positive news regarding homicide rates, Portland still experienced a shocking surge in violence earlier this year, witnessing seven homicides in March alone.
In response to this alarming trend, Police Chief Bob Day addressed the media, condemning the violence as unacceptable.
Looking ahead, law enforcement remains cautious; summer months can often bring an increase in violent incidents.
Police spokesperson Mike Benner acknowledged the recent lack of homicides as a promising reflection of ongoing efforts by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and its community partners.
Statistics indicate that shooting incidents in Portland have also plummeted by approximately 34% year-to-date compared with the previous year, with 263 shootings recorded from the year’s onset through Wednesday.
Of these incidents, 50 resulted in injuries.
However, these figures remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, where 199 shootings were documented in the first half of 2019.
Roy Moore, co-director of the community care team at Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, attributes the positive trends to the efforts made by violence prevention organizations targeting high-risk individuals.
With a focus on addressing those most likely to be involved in gun violence, Moore believes their initiatives make a tangible impact on reducing crime rates.
As summer approaches, Moore notes that POIC is preparing for a potential increase in violence, especially given rising hospital visits related to shootings.
However, he remains optimistic, highlighting recent staff increases that will enable the organization to continue bolstering its efforts.
Interim Deputy City Administrator Bob Cozzie echoed these sentiments, praising the collaborative work of the city’s violence intervention programs, Ceasefire, and various community organizations in combatting gun violence.
Cozzie also emphasized the necessity for ongoing community engagement and collaboration to save lives.
Yet, challenges remain.
In several of this year’s shooting incidents, young people were victims.
For instance, a 15-year-old was shot in Northeast Portland last week, and a Roosevelt High School student was wounded earlier during spring break in North Portland.
Moreover, at least three of 2023’s homicides involved either the suspect or the victim being unhoused, underscoring the pressing issue of gun violence among vulnerable populations.
Mayor Wilson acknowledged the work still required, stressing the need for targeted efforts in communities where gun violence remains a persistent challenge, particularly among the unsheltered.
This positive momentum, while encouraging, necessitates continued dedication from both the government and community leaders as Portland strives to build a safer environment for all its residents.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/06/portland-once-again-goes-a-month-without-a-homicide-2nd-time-this-year.html
