Major crime on the subway system increased by nearly 50% in January.
New York:
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday she will deploy the state’s National Guard and police on New York City subways following an increase in violence on the subway network serving the nation’s largest metropolitan area.
“Governor Hochul is deploying 1,000 state personnel to assist the NYPD’s mission… including 250 members from the New York State Police and (Transit Police),” a statement from her office said.
She also “directed the National Guard to enable the 750 members currently deployed with Joint Task Force Empire Shield to supplement this effort,” the statement added.
The officers will swarm the network to assist with patrols and baggage checks, as well as a new plan to ban violent passengers.
There have been a number of fatal shootings in recent weeks, as well as incidents involving knives and passengers being pushed onto the tracks.
Major crime on the subway system increased by nearly 50% in January compared to the same period in 2023.
In response, New York City has deployed significantly more armed police officers on the network, with the mayor last month ordering 1,000 more NYPD officers on the system.
“The service members of the New York National Guard stand ready to assist our partners and ensure the safety of our fellow citizens,” Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, commander of the New York National Guard, said in Hochul’s statement.
On February 12, on the eve of rush hour, a shooting occurred at a New York subway station, killing one person and injuring five others.
Officials later blamed the incident on a hostile group of teenagers.
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