The number of deaths resulting from gun violence in Miami is going down but officials say there's still work to be done.
Of 26 homicides reported in the first six months of 2017 only 16 were due to gunfire, Miami police officials said. The drop is making the Magic City one of the safest major cities in the country when dealing with gunfire deaths.
Police officials are attributing the decrease to the community.
"They're tired of seeing gun violence," Lt. Freddie Cruz said. "Any drop in deaths or gun violence is a success for us."
The murder rate appears to be declining. In 2016 there were 60 murders, in 2015 there were 75, and in 2014 there were 81.
Miami-Dade County is also noticing a drop in the numbers. Half way through 2017, there have been 106 homicides, compared to 231 for all of 2016.
"So far we're very proud," Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime said.
