The Guardian Angels Return to Patrol the NYC Subways Amid Rising Crime
A clear indication that the leaders of New York City have failed to make subway riders feel safe is the recent announcement that the Guardian Angels will be returning to patrol the underground. Founder Curtis Sliwa declared on Sunday that the volunteer force will be back in action after a four-year absence, in response to the escalating crime rates in the system and the horrific arson murder of a suspected homeless woman on December 22.
Sliwa expressed his intention to increase recruitment to 1970s levels and enhance training for the group, citing the unprecedented levels of subway crime that he has witnessed. Just one day after his announcement, a man had his throat slashed during an argument on a C-train platform, further highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures.
While Mayor Adams’ office has dismissed the return of the Guardian Angels as a “meaningless stunt,” their presence can still serve as a vital deterrent to criminal activity. Their patrols will focus on conducting wellness checks on the mentally disturbed and homeless individuals, monitoring cars and platforms for suspicious behavior, and alerting law enforcement to potential issues.
Recent incidents in the subway system, such as a maniac stabbing two individuals at Grand Central on Christmas Eve and a heinous arson attack on an F train, underscore the pressing need for improved safety measures. Murders in the subway have surged by a chilling 60% this year alone, despite ridership levels being below pre-pandemic levels.
Governor Hochul’s deployment of National Guardsmen has been touted as a step towards improving safety, but the real solution lies in addressing the leniency of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been criticized for his soft stance on crime. Mayor Adams has increased the number of police officers in the subways, but their efforts are undermined when offenders are repeatedly released due to lenient prosecution and sentencing.
Furthermore, the influx of criminal migrants onto the streets of New York City, facilitated by the Biden administration’s open borders policy, has exacerbated the security challenges faced by subway riders. The subway system has become a dangerous environment, with passengers regularly encountering repeat offenders and individuals with severe mental health issues.
Despite any reservations about the Guardian Angels and their distinctive red uniforms, their return to the subways represents a proactive response to the glaring public safety crisis that New York’s leaders have failed to address adequately. As the city grapples with escalating crime rates and a sense of insecurity among commuters, the presence of the Guardian Angels offers a visible source of order and reassurance in the face of uncertainty.
