Two distressing incidents on New York City subways have reignited concerns over public safety as city officials vow to intensify efforts to protect commuters amid rising violent crime.
The first incident, reported by amNewYork Metro, involved gunfire on the Q line's Avenue U station around 3:15 p.m. on December 21, where two men, aged 18 and 21, were shot as they exited the train. Police sources confirmed the suspects, described as male and female, acted together, shooting the younger victim in the arm and torso, and hitting the older man through the leg. Although both victims were hospitalized with injuries, they are currently stable. Eyewitnesses alerted the 61st Precinct and Transit District 34 to the scene where they found the victims bleeding from their wounds. Surveillance footage showed the unidentified suspects leaving the site after the attack. They were last seen on public surveillance cameras as they exited MTA buses—one wearing a purple hat and black jacket, the other clad in beige and black. No arrests have yet been made, and the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, another outbreak of violence took place on the subway earlier the same Sunday. A shocking attack at approximately 7:30 a.m. saw the suspect approach and intentionally set fire to a woman on the train, leading to her tragic demise. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the occurrence as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being." Following the horrifying event, city leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, expressed outrage and gratitude to those who quickly aided law enforcement, leading to the apprehension of the suspect on another train just hours later.
The suspect was located through the quick action of three high school students who reported seeing the individual matching the description—gray hoodie, distinct wool hat, and paint-splattered pants—on another moving train. The suspect, who reportedly immigrated from Guatemala in 2018, was apprehended with a lighter, the tool believed to have been used for the attack. Tisch noted, "I want to thank the young people who called 911 to help. They saw something and they said something and they did something.”
Despite these horrific events, subway officials maintain the city's subway system retains low rates of violent crime relative to the vast number of daily riders. Statistics show there were nine homicides on the subway throughout 2024, compared to five during the same time the previous year. This increase raises questions about safety measures already implemented, prompting officials to devise new strategies for addressing violence.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the deployment of additional security resources, including 250 National Guard members, alongside the installation of over 15,000 security cameras throughout the subway system—an effort aimed at enhancing the safety of the millions who ride the trains every day. Following this rise of incidents, Hochul reiterated her commitment, stating, "Earlier this year, I promised to make our subways safer, and today we are continuing our efforts by putting more National Guard members on the ground and installing security cameras on every car.”
Both incidents highlight troubling behaviors and potential vulnerabilities within the subway system, with officials acknowledging the need to address these actions decisively to preserve public safety. The community's cooperation has proved pivotal as individuals step forward to inform authorities, fostering safety and confidence amid fear as they navigate the transit system. Many are now left to ponder the unsettling turn of events as they ride the rails of New York City.
