Nationwide Law Enforcement Fatalities Drop 53% First Half 2025

Data from the first half of 2025 shows a significant 53% decrease in law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty nationwide compared to the same period last year, with 42 deaths reported versus 89 in 2024. The fatalities encompass federal, state, county, and tribal officers, with causes including firearm-related killings, traffic accidents, and on-the-job illnesses. Chicago mourns Officer Krystal Rivera, the only Illinois officer killed this year, who died from a partner’s accidental discharge during a pursuit. Experts attribute the decline to improved body armor, better tactics, enhanced training, policy changes such as limiting high-speed chases, and “Move Over” laws protecting emergency responders. Despite the reduction in fatalities, assaults on law enforcement have increased by nearly 64% over the past decade, reflecting ongoing challenges to law enforcement safety and respect. The Trump administration has credited these improvements to a renewed pro-police culture and policies implemented since returning to office in 2025, with FBI Director Kash Patel expressing support for law enforcement efforts.