"Last year we had an incredible... shift in terms of just our homicides, right? We had the fewest amount of homicides since 1965, and this summer we've been able to sustain... the fewest amount of homicides... since 1965," Johnson said.
The ABC7 Data Team could not confirm summer crime data dating back to 1965. However, it confirmed that the Chicago Police Department reported 122 homicide victims between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026. During the same period in 2025, the city reported 129 homicide victims.
Citywide violent crime also has declined over the past three years, according to figures presented by the mayor's office. Year to date, Chicago recorded 18,759 violent crimes in 2024, compared with 15,099 in 2025 and 13,792 in 2026.
Johnson credited the reduction in violence to an increased presence of Community Violence Interrupters, or CVIs, and to collaboration between CVIs and the Chicago Police Department.
"The goal is to take this model and this framework all over the city of Chicago, where there's a CPD presence in every single district. Because again, where we have seen this framework, we have seen a reduction in homicides and violence 45 to 50%," Johnson said.
The mayor's comments came as the city prepares to select a new police superintendent following the July retirement of Superintendent Larry Snelling.
Johnson said he is awaiting three recommended candidates from the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. He said considering candidates already within the Chicago Police Department would be a logical starting point.
"I think that there's tremendous value... to someone who understands all of the elements and dynamics that Chicago entails, you know. And I think it's also important that we allow for an open, transparent process," Johnson said.
While highlighting improvements in crime statistics, Johnson acknowledged that more work remains to make Chicago safer for all residents.
The mayor spoke as more than a dozen people have announced plans to run for mayor. Johnson did not confirm whether he plans to seek re-election.
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