Petersburg sees drastic drop in gun-related homicides over past 3 years: report

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Gun-related homicides among the most impacted communities in Virginia are decreasing the most drastically in the city of Petersburg, according to a new state report.

The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) issued a report in December 2025 that looks at gun violence and its impact on Virginia communities. Among localities with higher gun violence levels in the Commonwealth, Petersburg saw the most decline in gun-related homicide rate over the last three years, dropping by 58%.

The city of Petersburg and eight other localities, including the cities of Richmond and Hopewell, were identified as communities with higher violence rates. These nine localities together account for more than half of Virginia's gun-related homicides.

Of these nine localities, Richmond has the most gun-related homicides over a five-year average of 70. The city's gun-related homicide rate per 100,000 residents is 30.5.

RELATED: Nine localities account for more than half of Virginia’s gun-related homicides: report

Per the report, Petersburg has the highest gun-related homicide rate in the state of 53.8, yet receives about 1%, totaling $832,573, of the $80 million state program funds between fiscal years 2021 and 2026.

Of the funds, $247,229 went toward the Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (FVIP) grant program from the Virginia General Assembly and the remaining was allocated to Ceasefire Virginia, a state initiative aimed at reducing violent crimes.

The report noted that Virginia saw a surge in gun violence during the pandemic, like much of the country. These rates have begun to fall post-pandemic and have remained low.

The Commonwealth ranks 23rd in the U.S. for violent firearm offenses, averaging 88 incidents per 100,000 residents. The U.S. average is 93 per 100,000 residents.