New York will deploy the National Guard to combat crime in the subways and at stations. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul announced this plan after a series of violent incidents.
Hochul says that the measure should reassure travelers and tourists, writes The New York Times. “No one on their way to work, to family or to the doctor should have to worry that the person next to them is carrying a deadly weapon.”
The National Guard consists of reservists. About 750 will protect stations in New York.
Weapons
According to Hochul, the security services will work with the New York City police to prevent subway passengers from bringing weapons. So there will be bag checks.
The reason is recent incidents. Like last month, when a shooting broke out on a subway train under The Bronx. Last Sunday, a 64-year-old man had to be taken to hospital with injuries to his knee and back after being kicked onto the tracks by a stranger.
Things also went wrong in Brooklyn recently. A metro driver was seriously injured when he stuck his head out of the cab and was stabbed in the neck. The 59-year-old victim says he is so traumatized that he can no longer do his job.
About 3.8 million trips are made on the New York subway every day.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.