New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that her initiative to enhance the safety of New York City’s subway system is proving effective, despite a recent shooting incident on a subway train, as reported by The New York Post.
In response to a rise in crime within New York City, Governor Hochul announced on March 6th her decision to deploy 750 state National Guard troops along with 250 state troopers across the city’s subway stations. This move aimed to enforce the law and increase the sense of safety among commuters. This decision came shortly before an incident where a man was shot in the head during a physical altercation on a subway train heading to Brooklyn.
Despite the unsettling news of the shooting, Governor Hochul maintained on Saturday that her strategy to bolster subway safety is yielding the expected results. She highlighted the presence of the National Guard in major transit hubs, such as Grand Central Station, as a key component of her plan. This deployment, she explained, is intended to support the New York Police Department by allowing officers to focus on other duties, thereby enhancing overall safety.
The announcement of armed National Guard members patrolling subway stations and conducting searches at checkpoints initially met with public backlash. In response, Governor Hochul adjusted the plan, deploying unarmed National Guard members at search checkpoints while keeping certain units armed.
When questioned about the effectiveness of unarmed National Guard troops, Governor Hochul did not provide a direct answer. Instead, she emphasized that the National Guard’s involvement is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of subway stations.
Adding to the discourse, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared on Friday that despite the recent shooting, the city remains “the safest city in America.” He dismissed the incident as isolated and criticized the negative reactions as exaggerated. Mayor Adams praised the city’s resilience in the face of challenges.
The debate over subway safety comes amidst a reported 13% increase in subway crime since 2023, marking a consistent rise in crime rates for the second consecutive year, according to The New York Post.
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