El Salvador has reached a historic milestone in public security, with authorities reporting a total of 975 days without a single homicide since President Nayib Bukele took office on June 1, 2019. The achievement marks a dramatic transformation in a country once considered among the most violent in the world.
This progress is the result of an aggressive anti-crime strategy spearheaded by the Bukele administration, including the Territorial Control Plan and the implementation of the State of Emergency, which began on March 27, 2022. According to official police figures, 861 of the 975 days without homicides occurred during the emergency regime alone.
The impact is particularly notable when compared to previous administrations. Between the ARENA and FMLN governments—spanning nearly two decades—only one day without a homicide was recorded. By contrast, El Salvador is now on the verge of surpassing 1,000 murder-free days under current leadership.
In terms of homicide rates, the country has seen a dramatic drop. From 106.3 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015, the rate decreased to 38 in 2019 and fell to just 1.9 in 2024. Authorities project that the nation will close 2025 with fewer than 1 homicide per 100,000 inhabitants, positioning El Salvador as one of the safest countries in the region.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, was the most recent day with zero homicides—marking the 29th day of the month without any murders. July’s record adds to the 25 murder-free days in June, May, and April, the 22 in March, the 26 in February, and the 25 in January, totaling 177 days without homicides so far this year.
This consistent pattern of zero-violence days represents a profound shift in national security and reflects the government’s sustained commitment to dismantling criminal structures and protecting the lives of Salvadorans.