New York City’s subway system faces a paradoxical surge in murders amid declining overall crime rates, leaving commuters on edge and officials scrambling for solutions.
At a Glance
- Subway murders in NYC have increased by 60% in 2024, nearing a 25-year high
- Eight people killed on subways or in stations as of September 8, up from five during the same period last year
- Overall subway crime has decreased nearly 6% this year
- Violent crime remains above pre-pandemic levels, with felony assaults on trains up 53% from 2019 to 2023
- Ridership is down about 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels
Surge in Subway Murders Contrasts with Overall Crime Decrease
In a startling development, New York City’s subway system has witnessed a 60% increase in murders this year, despite an overall decrease in subway crime. As of September 8, eight people have been killed on subways or in stations, compared to five during the same period last year. This spike is approaching the 25-year high of 10 murders set in 2022, raising serious concerns about public safety in the city’s vital transit network.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reports that overall subway crime has decreased by nearly 6% this year. However, this statistic offers little comfort to commuters who are increasingly wary of violent incidents. The disparity between falling crime rates and rising homicides presents a complex challenge for law enforcement and city officials.
Weapons Seizures and Violent Crime Trends
In response to the rising violence, the NYPD has intensified its efforts to remove weapons from the subway system. This year, officers have confiscated 43 guns and 1,536 knives, marking the highest weapons seizure rates in the last decade. Despite these efforts, violent crime remains stubbornly above pre-pandemic levels, particularly in the subway system.
“This overall crime reduction is due in large part to thorough investigations by detectives into every major crime within the subway, and the proactive work of officers deployed in the transit system,” the spokesperson said. “This year alone, those very officers removed 43 guns (compared to 28 last year) and 1,536 knives (compared to 1,004 last year) from the subway system, the highest weapons seizure rates in the last decade.”
The increase in violent crime on the subway is particularly striking when compared to pre-pandemic figures. Felony assaults on trains have surged by 53% from 2019 to 2023, with 570 incidents reported in 2023 compared to 373 in 2019. More alarmingly, attacks resulting in substantial injury now account for 25% of major crimes, up from 15% in 2019.
Report: NYC Subway Murders Surge by 60%, Approaching Record Levels https://t.co/nqMTVcCyGc #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) September 14, 2024
Impact on Ridership and Public Perception
The surge in violent incidents has had a significant impact on subway ridership, which remains down about 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The psychological toll on commuters is evident, with many expressing fear and hesitation about using the subway system.
“You don’t know if you’re going to make it home,” retiree Vickie Reeves, 68, bemoaned while making a rare subway trip at the Times Square station.
The lasting psychological impact of subway violence is illustrated by cases like that of Fitim Gjeloshi, who helped save passengers during a shooting on April 12, 2022. Gjeloshi now suffers from PTSD and is terrified to ride the trains, highlighting the long-term consequences of such incidents on individuals and the community at large.
Challenges and Responses
City officials and the NYPD face significant challenges in addressing the surge in subway violence. While increased police presence has shown some effectiveness, systemic issues such as inadequate staffing, recruitment difficulties, and insufficient mental health resources complicate the situation. The NYPD has deployed additional officers to the subway system, but the impact of these measures remains to be seen.
“Reduced ridership created an environment with fewer witnesses, perpetrators become emboldened – and you see a permission structure develop,” said one veteran cop. “There’s systemic issues like inadequate staffing, recruitment, training; punitive legislation by local and state government; and a lack of mental health resources, insufficient social support services.”
As the city grapples with this crisis, the need for comprehensive strategies that address both the reality and perception of subway safety becomes increasingly apparent. The challenge lies in balancing effective law enforcement with measures to address underlying social issues contributing to the rise in violent crime.
