New York City’s subway system is experiencing a disturbing increase in murders, with a 60% rise in killings reported so far this year.
According to recent statistics from the New York Police Department (NYPD), the number of subway-related murders has jumped to eight as of early September, compared to five during the same period in 2023. This trend brings the city close to matching a 25-year record of 10 subway murders set in 2022.
One of the most recent victims, Freddie Weston, 47, was shot at the Rockaway Avenue station in Brooklyn on September 5, 2024. His family has criticized the station’s lack of surveillance cameras, arguing that their presence might have prevented his death.
Jakeba Dockery, whose husband was also a victim of subway violence earlier this year, expressed growing fear about the safety of the subway system. “It’s not a safe environment to be waiting for the train,” she told The New York Post.
Despite efforts to combat crime, such as deploying 750 National Guardsmen and an additional 1,000 NYPD officers to high-traffic stations, murders have continued to rise. These initiatives, aimed at reducing crime in the subway system, have seen some success in lowering overall felony rates by 15%. Officers have also made significant strides in removing dangerous weapons from the system, including 43 firearms and 1,536 knives this year.
The NYPD has noted that while these proactive measures have helped curb other forms of crime, the surge in subway murders remains a significant concern. The department attributes the overall reduction in subway crime to diligent investigations and increased patrols, yet the rise in violent incidents highlights ongoing safety issues.
City officials are facing mounting pressure to address the increase in subway murders and improve safety measures. With the current trajectory, there is a real possibility that this year could set a new record for subway murders, adding to the already complex challenge of ensuring the safety of New York City’s transit riders.
