NYC Mayor Claims Random Brutal Crimes Overshadow Progress in Subway Safety Amidst Rising Violence

New York — In a defiant public statement on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that despite some harrowing recent incidents, New York City has made significant strides in reducing subway crime throughout 2024. However, he conceded that these improvements have been somewhat undermined by highly publicized violent attacks, including the tragic death of a woman set on fire on an F train in Coney Island.

Adams stressed that these gruesome events have painted a distorted image of the current state of subway safety. “We’ve seen continuous progress in controlling crime rates, but the high-profile incidents leave an impression that can overshadow the facts,” Adams stated during his end-of-year news conference from City Hall, reiterating his longstanding argument about the public’s perception of safety.

In response to the alarm raised by such violent cases, newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has pledged to increase police presence in subway stations and onboard trains. The specifics of the deployment plan, including the number of additional officers and the targeted areas, remain forthcoming.

These security efforts were spotlighted further following another concerning incident occurring just hours before Adams’ conference: a subway rider was shoved onto the tracks in front of an incoming train in Manhattan. The timing aligned with NYPD’s announcement regarding the identification of the woman killed in the arson attack, revealing her to be 57-year-old Debrina Kawam of New Jersey.

Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, described as an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to Kawam’s death. The extremely disturbing nature of the attack, captured on video, has reignited anxieties about a return to darker times reminiscent of the city’s past.

This resurgence of fear prompted the re-appearance of the Guardian Angels, the volunteer safety patrol group, who first rose to prominence decades ago. Led by Curtis Sliwa, they were met with a warm reception from many subway commuters, reflecting a collective sentiment that more needs to be done to assure rider safety.

Adams, while acknowledging these concerns, urged Sliwa and his group not to “overstep,” signaling a cautious approach to civilian patrols. Meanwhile, Adams continued to promote a message of overall safety, referencing statistics to assert that major crimes in the subway are still relatively rare, averaging six occurrences per day.

Yet, a closer investigation into NYPD crime data reflects an uptick in violent crimes, including murders, pointing to a troubling trend. In particular, the rate of murders in the subway has doubled from last year, reaching numbers comparable to a 25-year high observed in 2022.

Aside from subway safety issues, Adams also addressed other challenges of his administration, notably related to allegations of misconduct among his top aides. The recent resignation of NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, amid allegations of demanding sexual favors for promotions, marked another significant setback for the administration.

When questioned about the implications of appointing controversial figures to high positions, Adams defended his choices by stating that his primary responsibility is ensuring that his appointees deliver results for New Yorkers. He expressed a no-regrets sentiment for the actions taken in 2024, despite the criticism.

Throughout these challenges, Adams made it clear that his administration is not unique in facing scandals and reaffirmed his commitment to governing with the city’s best interests in mind. As 2024 closes, these incidents continue to shape the ongoing debate about safety, governance, and leadership in New York City.