Governor Kathy Hochul will deploy over 700 New York National Guardsmen to help combat crime on the New York subway system.
Hochul announced the extreme move on Wednesday. In total, she shared that 750 guardsmen will arrive in the city, while another 250 police officers will assist them. The NYPD is assisting in the initiative to help better patrol the subway stations, which have been plagued with violence. While this may seem a bit excessive, Hochul wants to send a message.
“These brazen, heinous attacks on our subway system will not be tolerated,” Hochul shared.
Subway-related crimes have spiked nearly 20% this year compared to 2023. Three New York residents have been killed so far in 2024. In addition to armed forces, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is also working on separate measures to keep anyone traveling on the subway safe. He recently shared his plans to increase bag checks. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be getting all new surveillance cameras to offer added protections to staff as well, as they have also been the subject of violent attacks.
Days ago, a 59-year-old conductor was slashed in the throat during a random attack. In a separate incident in mid-February, another MTA worker was punched and kicked inside a Lower Manhattan subway station. Instances such as these have sparked outrage among MTA employees and officials, who have been unable to guarantee the safety of employees.
It’s not yet known when subway travelers will start seeing the armed guards and how long they will remain in the stations.
