Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Way, Attorney General Matt Platkin, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, and NJSP Colonel Callahan Announce Historic Low in Gun Violence

Governor Phil Murphy, Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, Attorney General Matt Platkin, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, and New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan announced major reductions in the number of shooting victims and auto thefts in New Jersey in 2024.

In 2024, 778 victims suffered gunshot injuries in New Jersey, a drop of 16 percent from 2023, when a then-record low of 924 shooting victims marked the first time that fewer than 1,000 gun violence victims were recorded since tracking began in 2009. Of the total victims shot in 2024, there were 152 fatalities, a reduction of 20 percent from 2023.

Violent crimes, including shootings, many times stem from auto thefts. In 2024, the total number of stolen motor vehicles decreased by 11 percent from 2023, going from 16,694 down to 14,755 statewide, according to the NJSP’s Regional Operations Intelligence Center. 

“Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our Administration’s commitment to reduce gun violence and theft,” said Governor Murphy. “The meticulous coordination of Attorney General Platkin, Colonel Callahan, our legislative partners, and our local law enforcement officers has played a tremendous role in achieving historically low shootings for a second consecutive year. Together, we are determined to continue combatting violence and crime as we build a safer, stronger New Jersey for all.”

“Every New Jerseyan shares the desire to live in a safe community,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. "The reduction in crime that we continue to see is a testament to the collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication of law enforcement across our state, made possible through the leadership of Attorney General Platkin and Colonel Callahan. Together, we have made meaningful progress and will continue to make protecting New Jerseyans our top priority.”

“Our collaborative efforts are yielding demonstrable, positive results in the kinds of quality-of-life issues that affect New Jerseyans,” Attorney General Platkin said. “Through our innovative approaches to public safety that include community-based violence intervention programs, we are making strides against the scourge of gun violence, but the work goes on, notably with our groundbreaking lawsuits against gun manufacturers and the implementation of the ARRIVE Together initiative. And auto thefts are at the lowest level we’ve seen in three years. These trends are encouraging, but we must continue our work to keep the public safe.”

“Through the unwavering collaboration among law enforcement agencies, driven by cutting-edge technology and intelligence-led policing, we are delivering real results in making New Jersey safer,” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “While the progress is clear, our commitment to driving crime rates even lower remains resolute. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and uphold the safety and security that every resident deserves.” 

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NJEDA Board Approves $8.6M to Launch Aerospace Innovation Center in Atlantic County

Last month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved an $8.6 million investment to support the development and construction of the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) located in Atlantic County that will focus on the aerospace industry. The AIC, being developed in partnership with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), will be the fifth SIC in New Jersey and the first with a focus on innovation in aviation.

“This investment from the NJEDA builds upon New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in cultivating an innovation economy by expanding opportunities for aerospace research in our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey."

The AIC will be located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township. The Center will provide state-of-the-art aerospace research spaces, high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, and co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation.

“Atlantic County’s deep roots in the aerospace industry makes it a prime location for the Aerospace Innovation Center, where companies can test and further their products, while students and entrepreneurs make discoveries and create new technologies to help move the industry forward,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA, under Governor Murphy’s leadership, has developed programs and initiatives to drive innovation, create jobs, and support sustainable long-term economic growth. Strategic Innovation Centers, like the AIC, is helping unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue research, testing, and development of cutting edge technologies.”

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New Jersey Department of Education Awards Grant to Train Educators in Identifying Signs of Suicidal Behavior Among Students

As part of Governor Phil Murphy’s initiative for strengthening youth mental health, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced the award of a grant to help New Jersey teachers receive the training and tools they need to identify the signs of suicidal behavior among youth and connect students with support. 

The $550,000 federally funded grant, designed to support the launch of the Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness Campaign, was awarded to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), a nonprofit created by two Monmouth County fathers who each experienced the devastating loss of a child by suicide. 

“Youth mental health remains a top priority for my Administration, and we have taken great strides to ensure our students, educators, and communities have the resources they need to prevent tragedies and support the well-being of our children,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Raising awareness for the intervention resources within reach of New Jersey students is critical to fostering safe and supportive environments for New Jersey’s young people. Together, we can provide the education and tools needed to help save young lives.” 

“It’s our duty to respond with a critical sense of urgency to strengthen our suicide prevention efforts throughout the state,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “By providing educators with high-quality training, this initiative can help build a culture of care, resilience, and understanding among New Jersey’s youth.”

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Murphy Administration Removes Bald Eagle and Osprey from New Jersey’s Endangered Species List

The Murphy Administration adopted regulatory changes that remove the bald eagle and osprey from the state’s list of endangered species, reflecting more than 40 years of work to restore these iconic birds to New Jersey’s landscape, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced.

The delisting of eagles and ospreys is contained within a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rule adopted through publication in the New Jersey Register. The adopted rule makes more than 100 additions, deletions and conservation status updates. The status of the bald eagle has changed from endangered to special concern, and the osprey from threatened to stable. These status upgrades are based on determinations by New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife that the populations of these birds have recovered to the point at which their survival in the state is no longer in jeopardy.

“This action is indeed a significant milestone in the history of endangered species conservation and recovery in New Jersey and is the result of the passion and commitment of many people over the past 40-plus years to restore wildlife that were on the brink of extirpation in New Jersey,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Even with this tremendous success, we will remain vigilant in our monitoring and protection of these species to ensure they continue to thrive in New Jersey.”

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NJDOL Celebrates a Year of Enhanced Worker Protections and Employer Growth, Sets Ambitious Goals for Remainder of Murphy Administration

As 2025 gets underway, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is charging ahead with a dynamic agenda to further enhance agency operations and strengthen worker protections. Reflecting on a year of innovative initiatives that resulted in a 44 percent increase in back wages owed to workers over the prior year, as well as many other significant accomplishments, NJDOL is poised to build on this momentum as the Murphy Administration enters a new year. 

“Though the Murphy Administration may be entering its final year, the incredible work our dedicated teams have put in are building a legacy that will improve services for workers for generations to come,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “The substantial rise in back wages owed to workers is just one example of our numerous triumphs for fairness, ensuring workers get the pay and benefits they rightfully deserve. Our mission is to leave this department with the modern tools, resources, and processes required to best serve the Garden State’s growing workforce.” 

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