Senate Democrats highlight progress as interstate shootings decrease four years in a row

SPRINGFIELD - Following efforts by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to prioritize public safety, the Illinois State Police announced Illinois has had a decrease in interstate shootings for four straight years. Interstate shootings statewide decreased by 31% in 2025 compared to 2024, with no fatal shootings in 2025. This is the first time in close to a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities.

"State officials and law enforcement are working around the clock to improve public safety across Illinois," said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). "I am happy to have contributed legislation that assists in police operations on the highway, and will continue to prioritize evidence-based solutions that gives law enforcement additional tools and keeps roads safer for residents."

In 2024, Murphy and members of the Senate Democratic Caucus championed legislation to expand expressway camera programs to target human traffickers. Previously, automated license plate readers were limited to targeting gun violence, vehicular hijacking and similar offenses.

Interstate shootings have decreased every year since a post-pandemic spike in 2021. From 2021 to 2025, the total number of interstate shootings has decreased by 80%. The addition of automated license plate readers has assisted ISP in air operations by tracking vehicles fleeing from officers and in high-speed pursuits. ISP has successfully used ALPRs in both occurring crimes and to aid in investigations into crimes already committed.

"Thanks to continued commitments in prioritizing public safety for our residents, my colleagues and I supported commonsense measures aimed at reducing gun violence on our interstates," said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "With these measures, we are seeing a continuous decline in interstate shooting incidents - ensuring our residents have a safe place to live, work and thrive."

"I am committed to finding solutions that reduce violent crime and keep our communities safe," said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). "By working in tandem with law enforcement and equipping them with the tools they need, we're creating a safer city and a safer state."

The full report can be found here.