New York National Guard troops and New York State Police troopers will be deployed into the subway system to help riders feel safe after a spike in transit crime, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday.
The new deployment is in addition to the 1,000 New York City police officers who were ordered to patrol subway lines and do security checks on bags in the nation’s largest transit system last month following an attack on a conductor and other high-profile crimes.
Hochul announced the deployment of National Guard troops as part of a five-point plan to protect subway riders.
“Since taking office, I have been laser-focused on driving down subway crime and protecting New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “My five-point plan will rid our subways of violent offenders and protect all commuters and transit workers. I am sending a message to all New Yorkers: I will not stop working to keep you safe and restore your peace of mind whenever you walk through those turnstiles.”
Hochul said she is directing the New York National Guard to make 750 members, who are currently part of the Joint Task Force Empire Shield, available to help police crime in the subways.
