New York City’s subway system has seen a disturbing surge in violent incidents, prompting serious concerns about passenger safety and shaking public confidence in the transit network. Recent weeks have been marked by shocking crimes, including the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire in a Brooklyn subway car and a fatal stabbing of a man on a Queens train. On New Year’s Eve, a man suffered a skull fracture after being pushed in front of a Manhattan train, and on New Year’s Day, two separate knife attacks occurred at Manhattan stations within 17 minutes. Such incidents contribute to a stark rise in subway violence, with felony assaults up 60% since 2019 and homicides increasing from 3 in 2019 to at least 11 in 2024.
In response to these alarming trends, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has implemented measures aimed at restoring safety and confidence in the subway system. These steps include the deployment of 250 additional National Guard members, the installation of security cameras in all subway cars, and a five-point subway safety plan that enhances coordination between city and state agencies. “Earlier this year, I promised to make our subways safer for the millions of people who take the trains each day, and today we are continuing our efforts by putting more National Guard members on the ground and installing security cameras on every car,” said Hochul.
Despite these efforts, the governor faced criticism for her handling of the crisis, particularly after celebrating subway safety improvements on social media shortly after the Brooklyn burning incident. “Kathy Hochul’s incompetence is costing lives—she needs to leave public office immediately before more New Yorkers suffer,” said Councilman Robert Holden.
Experts point to mental health and homelessness as significant contributors to the rise in subway violence. Many attacks involve individuals struggling with mental illness, highlighting the need for expanded outreach programs like the Subway Co-Response Outreach (SCOUT) teams and streamlined procedures for involuntary hospitalization of those in psychiatric crises. Increased police patrols and other security measures have also been proposed to deter crime.
Although overall transit crime has declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, the growing number of violent incidents has intensified rider unease. Addressing this crisis is critical for New York City’s recovery and the return of workers to their offices, as subway safety remains a top concern for many employees. Restoring trust in the transit network will require sustained efforts to tackle the root causes of violence while ensuring visible safety improvements for all riders.
