Murders in the city’s subway system have seen a significant 60% increase so far this year, with eight people killed on subway cars or in stations, compared to just five during the same period last year. This spike in killings is close to the 25-year high of 10 murders in 2022. Between 1997 and 2020, there were never more than five murders in the subway in a single year according to NYPD data. The rise in violent incidents has caused concern among both commuters and authorities.
One of the recent tragic incidents involved grocer Freddie Weston, who was fatally shot near the MetroCard booth at the Rockaway Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. Weston’s family believes that the lack of cameras near the station contributed to his death, as the perpetrator had the opportunity to commit the crime without being caught on camera. This increase in murders comes despite efforts to increase security measures in the subway system, with the deployment of National Guardsmen and additional NYPD officers.
Despite the overall decrease in total subway crime by nearly 6% compared to the same period in 2023, violent crimes remain above pre-pandemic levels. The proactive work of law enforcement officers in removing weapons from the subway system has helped reduce incidents of robberies and felony assaults. However, the fear of being a victim of violence remains prevalent among commuters, with some expressing concern about encountering mentally ill individuals or being pushed onto the train tracks.
The persistence in subway murders has been attributed to a combination of factors, including a “worn out” police force and a brain drain of veteran transit officers due to resignations or retirements. The challenges faced by law enforcement in patrolling the subway system require specialized training and experience. Some commuters, like Jakeba Dockery and her daughter, have opted to avoid using the subway altogether due to safety concerns, choosing other modes of transportation for their daily activities instead.
The uptick in subway murders reflects a broader trend of increasing violent crime in the city, raising questions about the effectiveness of current crime-fighting strategies. While initiatives to enhance security have shown some success in combating overall crime rates in the subway, the rise in murders indicates a need for additional measures to address the root causes of violence in public transportation. The safety and well-being of commuters remain a top priority for both law enforcement and city officials, as they work towards creating a more secure environment for all passengers.
