NYC Subway Safety: A City on Edge?

Following a recent spike in violent crimes on the New York City subway, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a project to install security cameras in every single subway car. This initiative, she claims, will allow police to "solve crimes even faster."

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/03/1200/675/kathysubway.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Gov. Hochul; subway passengers on platform">

The announcement comes on the heels of several high-profile incidents, including a homeless woman being burned alive and a commuter being pushed onto the tracks. These events, coupled with the recent trial of former Marine Daniel Penny, have heightened public concern about subway safety.

Hochul's Response:

Beyond the camera installations, the Governor also deployed 1,000 National Guard members to patrol the subway system. She attributed many of the violent incidents to untreated mental illness, citing a lack of investment in mental healthcare and supportive housing as a contributing factor. Hochul plans to introduce legislation to strengthen involuntary commitment laws for dangerous individuals with mental illness.

Criticism and Controversy:

However, Hochul's actions have drawn criticism. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, called her efforts "all talk and no action," suggesting she should pressure state legislators to support her mental health initiatives. He also pointed to the MTA's high rate of fare evasion as a contributing factor to the rise in crime.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/12/1200/675/guardian-angels-nyc2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Guardian Angels at subway station">

Council member Joe Borelli further criticized the Governor's approach, blaming Democratic policies for the increase in violence. He believes that bail reform and “raise the age” laws enacted in 2019 exacerbated the situation.

The debate over subway safety and the effectiveness of Hochul's response continues to dominate headlines.