New York governor deploys state personnel and National Guard to address subway violence

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces her direction of National Guard to deploy 1,000 members to address the surge in violent incidents in the subway system

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday a robust plan to address the surge in violent incidents plaguing the New York City subway system. Hochul’s response includes the deployment of 1,000 members of the National Guard, comprising 250 from the New York State Police and transit police, to bolster the efforts of the NYPD.

The move comes in the wake of a concerning escalation in crime within the transit network, including fatal shootings, knife-related altercations, and disturbing incidents of individuals being pushed onto subway tracks. Statistics reveal a stark reality, with major subway system crimes surging nearly 50 percent in January compared to the same period last year.

To confront these challenges head-on, Governor Hochul is tapping into all available resources. She has directed the National Guard to make 750 members currently deployed on Joint Task Force Empire Shield available to supplement law enforcement efforts. These additional personnel will flood the subway network, conducting patrols, implementing bag checks, and participating in a new initiative aimed at prohibiting violent behavior among passengers.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Major General Ray Shields, commander of the New York National Guard, who emphasized the force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. “The service members of the New York National Guard are always ready to assist our partners,” Shields stated in Governor Hochul’s announcement.

The urgency for action was highlighted by a tragic incident on Feb. 12, where one person was killed and five others injured in a shooting at a New York subway station, just moments before the bustling rush hour. Authorities attributed the violence to clashes between rival youth groups.

In response to mounting concerns, Mayor Eric Adams recently ordered an additional 1,000 armed NYPD officers onto the subway system, reflecting a concerted effort by city and state officials to curb the tide of crime and ensure the safety of commuters.

Source: Newsroom