New data released by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI shows a notable decline in statewide crime for 2025. Violent crime fell 9%, the lowest rate since 2019, and several categories hit historic lows. Governor Tim Walz highlighted the results, saying the state’s focus on public safety is paying off.
Key statewide findings
- Violent crime down 9% from the previous year.
- Murders dropped from 172 in 2024 to 132 in 2025.
- Motor vehicle theft fell more than 22%.
- Carjackings declined 31%.
- Larceny reached its lowest level in 57 years.
The 2025 Uniform Crime Report also noted that the national violent‑crime rate experienced its largest year‑to‑year decline since the FBI began tracking data in 1936. Minnesota’s murder rate of 4.1 per 100,000 residents ties the lows recorded in 1955 and 1956.
Governor Walz’s response
“This crime report shows that Minnesota is safer because we made public safety a priority,” Governor Walz said. “These results reflect years of work by my administration and the law‑enforcement officials, first responders, and community partners who keep Minnesotans safe every day.” He also pointed to $3.8 billion in public‑safety resources allocated across the state, including historic investments in local law‑enforcement, crime‑prevention programs and public‑safety infrastructure.
FBI perspective
Benni Jonsson, an assistant special agent in charge at the Minneapolis FBI office, called the numbers “significant” and said the agency will continue working with state and local partners to drive crime down and build community trust. Jonsson emphasized that gang activity remains a major driver of violent crime in the Twin Cities, adding that removing offenders and illegal firearms makes neighborhoods feel safer immediately.
Metropolitan disparities
Despite the overall decline, analysts note that crime in the Twin Cities skews the state picture. David Zimmer, a public‑safety policy fellow at the Center of the American Experiment, warned that Minneapolis, which makes up only about 7% of Minnesota’s population, accounted for 32% of aggravated assaults, 45% of murders, 53% of robberies and a striking 72% of carjackings in 2025.
Governor Walz countered that violent crime in the Twin Cities metro fell 14% and argued that continued investment is needed to sustain the trend. Zimmer, however, argued that additional funding is essential, especially to increase Minneapolis Police Department staffing, which has struggled since the city council voted to defund the department in 2020.
What’s next?
Both state officials and independent analysts agree that while the downward trend is encouraging, the concentration of violent crime in Minneapolis requires targeted resources. The administration plans to keep working with federal partners to address gang activity and illegal firearms, while local leaders are urging the city council to consider restoring police staffing levels to improve arrest and clearance rates.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about community‑safety initiatives and to support law‑enforcement efforts that protect families and neighborhoods across Minnesota.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
