Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy slams New York Gov. Kathy Hochul over city’s subway violence

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for downplaying safety risks in the NYC subways. In a post on social media, Duffy expressed his concerns about the safety of commuters in the city, citing recent incidents of violence on the subway.

One such incident involved a 57-year-old woman who was allegedly burned alive by an illegal migrant from Guatemala in a horrific subway attack. Just a few weeks later, another man was charged with attempted murder for pushing a 45-year-old man onto the subway tracks on New Year’s Eve.

According to reports, subway felony assaults increased in 2024, with homicides doubling to 10. Despite this alarming trend, overall subway crime was down by 5.4%, as reported by the NYPD.

In response to the escalating violence, Duffy sent a letter to the MTA in March, warning that the transit authority must address the issue of crime or face federal funding cuts. He emphasized the need to restore order and safety in the subway system after years of what he described as “soft-on-crime policies.”

The letter requested data from the MTA on fare evasion, worker assaults, customer assaults, and police patrols to assess the situation comprehensively. Duffy also sought an explanation on how taxpayer funding from the federal government has been utilized by the MTA to address safety and security concerns in the subways.

The ongoing concern for commuter safety prompted the Guardian Angels to resume patrols in New York City, citing a significant rise in crime levels throughout the subway system. Governor Hochul deployed 750 members of the National Guard to combat the increase in criminal activities.

Duffy reiterated the importance of ensuring that federal tax dollars are being allocated towards creating a crime-free commute for residents and visitors in the city. He emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between the DOT, MTA, and Hochul’s office to address the pressing issue of subway safety.

Despite reaching out for comments, the DOT, MTA, and Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to requests for a response. The efforts to improve safety and security in the NYC subways continue to be a top priority for officials as they work towards creating a safer commuting environment for all passengers.

In conclusion, the concerns raised by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shed light on the urgent need to address safety risks in the NYC subways and implement measures to ensure the well-being of commuters. The collaborative efforts of government agencies and law enforcement are crucial in creating a secure and crime-free environment for all passengers using the subway system.