Hochul Deploys National Guard & Police to Tackle NYC Subway Crime

This article was written with the help of A.I. software.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces that the National Guard will stand watch in the subways.Photo byauthor (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a comprehensive five-point strategy on Wednesday to combat subway crime in New York City.

This plan involves deploying 750 National Guard members, along with 250 New York State and MTA police officers, to enhance security in the subway system.

There will also be specialized teams assigned to handle incidents involving individuals displaying signs of mental illness.

This recent deployment is in addition to the 1,000 NYPD officers sent into the subway last month for intensified bag checks following a series of high-profile crimes, including the slashing of a conductor.

Governor Hochul is advocating for stricter measures, proposing that individuals deemed too dangerous by the court be barred from using the subway.

She is lobbying for a new state law that would enable judges to prevent convicted attackers from accessing the subway or buses for up to three years.

In light of recent incidents involving repeat offenders like Milton Hamlin, who allegedly slashed a passenger on an A train, Governor Hochul is urging district attorneys to collaborate in efforts to keep these individuals out of the transit system.

Since 2005, the 46-year-old individual has faced arrest almost twelve times for various crimes such as assault and robbery. Additionally, he is classified as a Level 3 sex offender.

Hochul emphasized the importance for judges to fulfill their duty by using their discretion to detain repeat offenders like Hamlin.

"They'll flag the criminal history at the time, so it can be fully considered when decisions regarding charging and bail are made," Hochul said.

Transit crime decreased by over 15% in February compared to the same month in 2023, following a significant 45% increase in January primarily due to grand larcenies.

According to NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper, subway system arrests have risen by 45% this year, with 3,000 arrests occurring in the first two months of the year, a substantial portion involving repeat offenders.

"Why are we arresting people 100 times and once we make those arrests, why are they out within a day or two, sometimes," Kemper said.

Officials recently revealed that violent crimes in the subway have increased by 13% compared to last year.

However, City Hall has disputed these figures, claiming that overall crime has actually decreased, particularly noting a double-digit drop in subway crime in February 2024.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the decrease in overall crime, attributing the improvement to increased police deployments and the addition of hundreds more officers in the subway system.

These efforts aim to enhance safety through a larger police presence and random bag checks to intercept weapons and contraband before they enter the subway.

Furthermore, Mayor Adams highlighted the development of two high-tech weapons detection systems as part of the city's ongoing efforts to further enhance security measures in the subway.

"They are doing an excellent job in identifying razors, knives, scissors other sharp objects," Adams said. "To me, that's a low bar. I want to be able to identify a gun. We have seen some promising technology that I think in the next, you know, year we're going to really see something that people felt was not possible."

The governor announced plans to have cameras installed in every car and conductor booth by the year's end as part of efforts to enhance subway safety.

PBA President Patrick Hendry commended the initiatives but cautioned that they are not a permanent solution.

"With thousands of understaffed NYPD officers and hundreds leaving monthly, we must devise sustainable strategies to retain our skilled officers for effective patrol services underground and on the streets," Hendry emphasized.

Despite the government's commitment to reducing subway crime, a significant number of commuters still express concerns about their safety.

Malik Britton strategically positions himself away from the subway tracks during his daily commute to avoid the risk of being pushed into an oncoming train.

He explains to Eyewitness News, "I plant myself away from the tracks so that nobody can push me or sneak up behind me. I make sure I'm against the beams."

Similarly, Abhijeet Singh prioritizes vigilance during his subway rides, stating, "I always have to watch my back."

With the recent deployment of the National Guard in the subway system, some passengers express heightened unease. For Khadijha Lugo, this escalated presence only amplifies her feelings of insecurity, stating, "I feel more nervous because it seems like there's a bigger threat looming with the National Guard in place, rather than just relying on the police presence."

Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the NYCLU, criticizes the governor's decision, citing it as an "overreaction and overreach."

Experts suggest that the National Guard deployment may only be a short-term solution, possibly lasting just a few months leading up to the implementation of congestion pricing.