NEW YORK (PIX11) -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to make an announcement Wednesday about subway safety in the wake of several violent incidents.
On Tuesday, police said a man was attacked with a metal object inside the Grand Avenue station in Elmhurst, Queens.
“You just worry,” said Dina Taroc, a lifelong New Yorker who plans to move to Pennsylvania when she retires in April, partly because of subway crime. “You don’t have peace of mind. Back in the day, I used to close my eyes and [take a] half-hour snooze. Now, you have to keep your eyes open.”
According to the NYPD, subway crime is up 13% year to date. Mayor Eric Adams said the number of crimes is small compared to the number of people using the system, but the crimes that occur are disturbing.
On Sunday, 64-year-old Abu Khan was kicked onto the tracks at Penn Station, causing bleeding in his brain.
Last week, MTA conductor Alton Scott was slashed in the neck and nearly bled out but was saved by a doctor on board.
“It was a very close call,” said Dr. Patrick McGrory, who saved Scott’s life. “He’s very lucky.”
At a press conference Tuesday morning, several MTA employees spoke out, saying they are tired of not feeling safe at work.
“You cannot employ us, tell us to move this city, and tell us to put our safety over service,” said MTA train operator Evangeline Byars. We will not do it any longer.”
Adams said Tuesday that recidivism is a large problem, with a small number of people committing a large portion of subway crimes. He promised to ramp up security underground and said bag checks are coming back.
“We are re-instituting bag checks,” said Adams. “That’s gonna be resumed in probably the next week or so.” “There was always a version taking place. They [the NYPD] may elevate and escalate it a little more.”
English (US) ·