Reports of violent incidents in New York subways, some fatal, have prompted Governor Hochul to announce a heightened security initiative.
New York Bolsters Security in Subways
Reports of violent incidents in New York subways, some fatal, have prompted Governor Hochul to announce a heightened security initiative.
Panic grips a stationary subway car. Passengers cower on the floor, heads down, clutching each other. “Close the door!” a woman shouts. “Where is the police?” In a packed car during rush hour, passengers fear a shooter in their midst.
“Active Shooter,” a voice calls to the emergency 911 number. In a dispute, a young man brandishes a weapon as the train arrives at a Brooklyn station. A 32-year-old succumbs to gunshot wounds. While some passengers stay apprehensive in the car, others flee to the platform. An eyewitness tells ABC, “As I emerge, I hear three, four shots, Pop, Pop, Pop… Then the door opens. Everyone rushes out.”
Rising Incidents of Violence in New York Subway
The mid-March incident is one in a string of recent subway violence events in New York. Shortly prior, a shooting at a Bronx station claimed one life and injured five passengers. Days ago, a 24-year-old pushed a waiting passenger onto the tracks. The seemingly unprovoked fatality in Harlem parallels an attack on David Beaglehole in Manhattan’s affluent Upper East Side, where a man assaulted him with an umbrella, attempting to push him down an escalator.
Week by week, headlines on New York’s subway, utilized by over five million daily, reveal increased violence. Police report 570 recorded assaults on trains or in stations last year—a significant figure, yet Mayor Eric Adams, a former cop frequently on subway duty, deems it not remarkably high relative to the millions of journeys.
Not So Bad After All?
Recent data from the NYPD indicates a 15% crime rate decrease in the city’s subway from the previous year. However, Governor Kathy Hochul believes such statistics offer little solace to fearful passengers. “Statistically, it’s not as bad as it was, but I know that doesn’t make anyone feel better,” she explains.
Surveys reveal a decline in riders feeling safe in the subway, dropping from nearly 90% in 2008 to barely half last year. Many lament encountering more mentally unstable or drug-affected passengers causing distress. Recent violent escalations stemmed from disputes over loud music or smoking.
Governor Launches Extensive Security Initiative
Governor Hochul insists such conditions are unacceptable, initiating a massive security surge. Hochul vows to reactivate a thousand police and National Guard personnel to conduct bag checks at major stations, intensifying weapons searches for knives, guns, razors.
Convicted subway attackers face a three-year travel ban. Repeat offenders will be flagged, and additional cameras will be installed in train cabs. Moreover, trained teams will identify and redirect those with acute mental issues to aid facilities.
Mixed Reactions
Passenger responses vary. A woman at Grand Central station prefers less visibly present law enforcement. Conversely, a man deems any visible security helpful. Another passenger feels secure on the train but opts for a taxi late at night.
The transit authority plans to test new fare barriers to deter fare evasion by jumping turnstiles and metal platform barriers to prevent passengers from falling onto the tracks.