(Springfield, IL) — For the fourth year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped according to the Illinois State Police. ISP’s latest report shows interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2025, compared to 2024, with zero fatal interstate shooting in Illinois. This is the first time in roughly a decade there has been zero interstate shooting fatalities.
- 31% decrease from 2024 to 2025
- 53% decrease from 2023 to 2025
- 68% decrease from 2022 to 2025
- 80% decrease from 2021 to 2025
“When faced with a surge of violence on Illinois interstates, ISP took immediate action, dedicating personnel, technology, Air Operations, K9 units, forensics, and investigative expertise, successfully decreasing the number of shootings,” said ISP Director Bredan F. Kelly. “Our multifaceted approach has proven to be effective, but as crime evolves, so will we in order to keep our communities safe.”
ISP says the use of Air Operations and Automated License Plate Readers has been instrumental in identifying and tracking those committing crime, as well as reducing crashes. ISP uses its Air Operations to help track vehicles and individuals fleeing from officers, reducing the risk of a high speed pursuit that can result in a fatal crash. ISP also uses ALPRs, not only to assist in apprehending individuals in real time as the crime occurs, like a vehicle hijacking, but also during investigations. Troopers and Special Agents can use ALPRs to identify vehicles that may have been involved in or witnessed an interstate shooting and follow up with those individuals.
