New York politicians are facing criticism for their handling of subway crime incidents that continue to unsettle residents of the city. Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the 'Guardian Angels,' expressed frustration with politicians' response to the surge in crime, labeling it a 'slap in the face' to New Yorkers. Sliwa suggested providing subway riders with bulletproof vests and individual police officers for protection, highlighting the perceived lack of adequate security measures.
Despite Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to enhance subway security by installing cameras and deploying National Guard members, critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of commuters. Reports indicate a 60% increase in subway murders, with eight fatalities recorded in September alone, compared to five during the same period in the previous year.
Sliwa painted a grim picture of the subway environment, likening it to scenes from various movies to emphasize the severity of the situation. He criticized the repeated release of a suspect with a history of arrests, highlighting the perceived failure of the justice system to address threats to public safety.
The recent arrest of a man with 87 prior arrests for alleged stabbings reignited concerns about subway safety. Additionally, a tragic incident involving the murder of a New Jersey native on a subway train by an illegal immigrant further underscored the vulnerability of passengers.
Following the brutal killing, Sliwa mobilized 'Guardian Angels' volunteers to patrol the subway system, emphasizing the lack of security and protection for passengers. He emphasized the plight of homeless individuals and emotionally disturbed persons living in subway stations, criticizing officials for their inaction in addressing the underlying issues.
In conclusion, the ongoing subway crime incidents have raised serious concerns about public safety in New York City, prompting calls for more robust security measures and a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of crime in the transit system.