Columbus Named #5 Nationally for Reductions in Gun Victimization

Columbus Named #5 Nationally for Reductions in Gun Victimization

Published on April 14, 2026

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2026

Contact: T.R. Massey, Office of the Mayor
614-645-6456 (office); 614-616-4825 (cell)

Columbus, OH - The Center for American Progress has named Columbus #5 in a new ranking of large cities with the strongest decline in gun victimizations from 2021 to 2025. The center's April 7 report, "What City Leaders Say Is Helping Drive Down Gun Violence in Their Communities," finds that while gun violence has declined nationally since the pandemic, Columbus saw a particularly strong decline, with gun victimization decreasing by 63.5 percent from 2021 to 2025, and 56.5 percent since the city's Office of Violence Prevention was established in 2023.

"One act of gun violence is too many, but our commitment to our comprehensive community safety strategy and community engagement are yielding measurable and meaningful progress," said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. "We will continue to focus on sustaining reductions, expanding prevention and earning the affirmation we've received in this national report."

"The progress Columbus is making to drive down gun violence is an example of what can be accomplished when city leaders commit to building a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety that brings everyone to the table as partners," said Chandler Hall, associate director of public safety at the Center for American Progress. "We congratulate Mayor Ginther and the city on the success they've seen so far by investing in evidence-based strategies that make everyone safer."

"Being ranked number five in the nation for the strongest decline in gun victimization rate is a significant milestone, but it is not a victory lap," said Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant. "This recognition belongs to the tireless work done by the men and women of the Division of Police to ensure those responsible for gun violence in our city are held accountable. This work cannot be done without the cooperation of the courageous community members who have stepped up to ensure gun violence has no place in their neighborhoods.

"However, as long as one family is still mourning a loss to senseless gun violence, our job is not finished," Chief Bryant continued. "We will continue to build on this momentum to ensure Columbus is a safe place for everyone."

"We are grateful that the impact and necessity of our work are being highlighted. This decline in gun victimization rates in Columbus reflects the dedication of our OVP team and public safety partners, both public and private, despite existing in a state that lacks common-sense gun laws," said Rena Shak, Director of the Office of Violence Prevention. "While we observe the historic reductions, we remain focused on our pursuit to create and sustain safe neighborhoods by coordinating and facilitating targeted, data-driven violence reduction strategies."

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