If progressives are against people acting in self-defense or defending others on the subway, then the state must ensure our safety. However, Governor Hochul has failed to protect us from the deadliest subway environment in three decades.
New Yorkers may now hesitate to intervene even after Daniel Penny’s acquittal on a criminal negligence charge for the death of Jordan Neely, who had threatened other subway passengers.
Imani-Ciara Pizarro, a victim of a random stabbing at Grand Central on Christmas Eve, shared that witnesses to the attack simply froze.
Hochul’s response to the horrific murder by fire of an unidentified woman on a moving F train was criticized for not providing adequate protection.
Subway crimes, particularly homicides, have been on the rise, with 12 deaths this year alone, mostly unprovoked stranger-on-stranger killings.
Despite claims of reduced crime, subway violence remains a significant concern, with incidents surpassing pre-2020 levels.
Violent felonies on the subway have increased, with instances of self-defense not accounted for in the NYPD’s murder figures.
Recent incidents highlight the need for addressing the root causes of subway violence, including illegal immigration, drug use, and criminal behavior.
Elected officials must prioritize public safety on the subways to prevent further escalations of violence and ensure the protection of all passengers.
Nicole Gelinas is a contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal.
