Who Will Push? Fear Grows... New York to Deploy Police on All Subway Trains

New York Governor Announces Plans in Speech
Enhanced Inspections with Deployment of National Guard

Following a series of dangerous crimes such as arson and pushing incidents, the New York subway will strengthen patrols on platforms. Police will patrol all subway stations.

Local media including the New York Post reported on June 14 (local time) the contents of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's annual State of the State address. In the speech, Governor Hochul stated, "Over the next six months, we will work with New York City to increase police patrol personnel on subway platforms and trains," adding, "From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day, additional patrol personnel will be assigned to all operating trains."

A photo posted on social media by a New York citizen. Citizens, concerned about crime, are standing close to the wall instead of near the tracks as usual. Screenshot from X

The majority of New York subway lines operate 24 hours a day, and concerns about crime increase especially during nighttime hours. In response, New York City and state authorities plan to deploy police patrol personnel to prevent crimes.

Additionally, to prevent accidents involving falls onto subway tracks, safety fences will be installed at 100 stations, lighting within stations will be enhanced, and modernization of fare gates to prevent fare evasion will also be pursued.

According to research by the 'Vital City' group at Columbia Law School, serious crimes in the New York subway last year totaled 573 cases, the highest level since records began in 1997. Subway homicides numbered 10, doubling compared to the previous year.

Recently, a series of horrific incidents in the New York subway have heightened public anxiety. On May 31, a man in his 20s suddenly pushed another man onto the tracks at a Manhattan subway station. The victim survived but suffered serious injuries including a skull fracture. This crime of suddenly pushing a person standing near the tracks is referred to in the U.S. as 'subway pushing.'

Meanwhile, on May 22, a man from Guatemala was arrested on charges of setting fire to a sleeping woman's clothes and blanket on a train, resulting in her death. This incident was shared on social media and shocked local residents.

New York City and state authorities reportedly increased police presence in subway stations last year and even mobilized the National Guard to strengthen inspections and searches, employing all possible measures to prevent crime.