New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that hundreds of National Guard members have been deployed to patrol the New York City subway system this holiday season. Speaking at a news conference, Hochul confirmed that 750 National Guard members and 250 members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police were recently sent to guard New York City train stations.
Hochul praised the deployment, saying it has made a “psychological difference” in how people feel about safety. “When people see a person in uniform, even our National Guard, they feel more secure,” she said.
The move is part of Hochul’s five-point subway safety plan, which she unveiled in March. At the time, she deployed 750 members of the National Guard to assist the New York Police Department (NYPD) with bag searches at entrances to busy train stations.
Hochul also touted a decrease in subway crime during the press conference, crediting the deployment with creating a “deterrent effect” against crime. “For people who are thinking about bringing a gun or knife on the subway, at least this creates a deterrent effect,” she said.
The move comes as New York City officials continue to fight violent crime, with a recent ICE report noting that there are 58,000 illegal migrants with criminal charges or convictions in the city. The report also found that 1,153 of these individuals are suspected or known gang members.
Hochul’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the subways has faced criticism, with some arguing that it is “too little, too late.” However, Hochul said that she is “incredibly proud” of the individuals in uniform and their role in improving safety.
