Aurora, IL – As New Year’s Eve celebrations approach tonight, Aurora police are warning residents that celebratory gunfire will not be tolerated, citing the deadly risks posed by bullets fired into the air that must eventually come down.
According to the Aurora Police Department, officers will deploy additional patrol resources throughout the city during the New Year’s Eve holiday period, focusing on neighborhoods that historically see higher levels of celebratory gunfire. Police say ShotSpotter gunfire detection technology will play a key role in the enforcement effort.
Authorities confirmed that all ShotSpotter activations citywide will receive a police response on New Year’s Eve, with special attention given to locations identified as repeat hotspots during past holidays such as New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
Anyone found illegally discharging a firearm will be arrested, police said. Officers will also conduct regular patrols to deter crime, respond to disturbances, and enforce impaired-driving and other public safety laws throughout the night.
“Celebratory gunfire puts innocent people at risk, and our priority is protecting the people who live and work in Aurora,” said Police Chief Matt Thomas. He added that ShotSpotter helps officers respond faster, improve situational awareness, and hold offenders accountable—especially during high-risk celebrations.
Police emphasized that even bullets fired straight up can travel long distances and return to the ground with enough force to cause serious injury or death. Officials say stray bullet incidents have caused tragic consequences in cities nationwide.
As part of its transparency efforts, the Aurora Police Department encourages residents to review crime trends and community safety data through its public portal at police-transparency-cityofaurora.hub.arcgis.com.
Residents are urged to celebrate responsibly and report suspicious activity as the city rings in the new year.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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