Fact check: How many deaths were caused by gangs and criminals in 2024?

1. Summary of the results

The number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals in 2024 varies depending on the region and source. According to the UN human rights office, at least 5,601 people were killed in gang violence in Haiti in 2024, which represents an increase of over 1,000 on the total killings for 2023 ^[1]. This is also reported by another source, which states that at least 5,601 people were killed in Haiti last year as a result of gang violence, an increase of over 1,000 on the total killings for 2023, according to figures verified by the UN Human Rights Office ^[2]. InSight Crime reports that Haiti had a record number of homicides in 2024, with over 7,000 murders for a rate of 62, up from 40.9 in 2023, and gang violence in Haiti continued to surge in 2024, following a trend that began with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 ^[3]. On the other hand, the FBI reports a 14.9% decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter in 2024, but does not provide the total number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals ^[4]. Another source reports a 16% decrease in homicides in 29 cities, with 631 fewer homicides in 2024 compared to 2023, but does not specifically provide data on deaths caused by gangs and criminals ^[5]. At the regional level, at least 121,695 people were murdered in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2024, with a median homicide rate of around 20.2 per 100,000 people ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Key omitted facts include the total number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals in regions other than Haiti, as well as the specific data on deaths caused by gangs and criminals in the United States ^{[4] [5]}. Another missing context is the comparison of the number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals in 2024 to the previous years, which could provide a clearer picture of the trend ^{[4] [5]}. Alternative viewpoints include the fact that the decrease in homicides in some cities may not be representative of the overall trend, and that the surge in gang violence in Haiti may be part of a larger regional trend ^[3]. The sources also highlight the importance of considering the median homicide rate, which can provide a more accurate picture of the situation ^[3]. Additionally, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 is mentioned as a factor that contributed to the surge in gang violence in Haiti ^[3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks for the number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals in 2024, but does not specify the region or country, which could lead to confusion ^{[1] [4]}. The sources provided show that the number of deaths caused by gangs and criminals varies greatly depending on the region, with Haiti experiencing a surge in gang violence, while some cities in the United States experienced a decrease in homicides ^{[2] [5]}. The sources also highlight the importance of considering the context and trend when interpreting the data, which could be missing from the original statement ^{[3] [4]}. The FBI and the Council on Criminal Justice may benefit from the reporting of a decrease in homicides, as it could be seen as a positive trend, while the UN Human Rights Office and InSight Crime may benefit from highlighting the surge in gang violence in Haiti, as it could bring attention to the issue ^{[1] [4]}.