Leer en Español
New York’s public transit system has seen a bloody two weeks, with at least three murders, five stabbings and countless assaults reported. As the transportation system reactivates after the pandemic, specifically subways and buses, serious crime on the system has skyrocketed at least 42% so far this year compared to 2021.
“While transit crime so far this year is 5% lower than for the same period in 2019, before ridership was decimated by the pandemic, violence has remained a consistent concern for commuters, many of whom have no other way to get around,” reviewed New York Post, which had access to police data.
In a report, the media outlet detailed some of the most shocking cases of violence that have occurred on public transportation. For example, on September 30, the father of two was fatally stabbed on the L train. Tommy Bailey, a worker known as a “Canarsie legend” for his athletic prowess, was stabbed to death on his way home from work.
On October 1, an MTA bus driver was stabbed at work. According to information, the suspect became upset with the driver when he did not open the rear doors of the bus, walked toward the driver, spit on him, and slashed him twice on the left forearm. He also threatened to go get a gun.
On October 2, a case was recorded that became known as the “Green Goblin attack.” It involved a group of women dressed in bizarre neon green jumpsuits who brutally attacked and robbed two 19-year-olds at the Times Square subway station.
At the same station, on October 4, a man was stabbed. The victim is a 31-year-old male and was cut in the leg. The situation was generated after a fight with another passenger just after 11 pm.
Insecurity in New York
These are among at least a dozen cases that have been recorded in just two weeks on New York’s transit system. Earlier this year, the city’s mayor acknowledged that he did not feel safe on the subway and promised to promote policies to combat the situation.
“We know we have a job to do — and we’re going to do both. We’re going to drive down crime, and we’re going to make sure New Yorkers feel safe in our subway system. And they don’t feel that way now. I don’t feel that way when I take the train every day, or when I’m moving throughout our transportation system.” Eric Adams said.
Williams Perdomo es periodista y escritor, especializado en las fuentes Política y Cultura.