The metro system New York 2025 began with two episodes of violence that have alarmed its users and highlighted the increase in the perception of insecurity in the city’s public transportation. Two stabbings left the victims hospitalized while police launch operations to search for the perpetrators.
Although traffic crimes have decreased by 5.4% compared to 2023, according to Daily Mailthese incidents have reignited the discussion about safety in the subway.
One of the attacks took place on January 1 at the station Cathedral Parkway–110th Streetwhere a person was repeatedly stabbed in the head, arm and hip while waiting on the platform of a southbound train. The attack occurred around 9:30 am, a time normally occupied by daily passengers.
According to NBC Newsthe injured man was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, and the suspect, dressed in a red sweater, black jacket, and black balaclava, ran away down Broadway.
Separately, a second stabbing occurred on the northbound 2 train at the 14th Street station in Manhattan at around 9:45 a.m. The victim, a 31-year-old man, suffered injuries to his back and was taken to the hospital. Bellevue, where he is in stable condition.
A spokesperson for the NYPD cited by Daily Mail confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that the suspect, who was wearing a black warm jacket, dark pants and carrying a red suitcase, fled the scene.
The context in which these attacks occurred is marked by an increase in media attention towards violent incidents and the social conditions that affect the New York subway. While statistics reflect a drop in traffic crimes, including an overall 3% decline in violent crimes, recent cases indicate the opposite, according to public perception.
In fact, the transportation system itself, represented by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)noted that disruptions were expected on the Red Line due to the presence of a “disruptive individual” connected to the second stabbing.
Among other recent incidents, the tragic case of a woman identified as Debrina Kawamwho died after being set on fire while sleeping inside a car at the station Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue last December.
In relation to this crime, the illegal immigrant Sebastian Zepeta33, faces charges of murder and arson. Kawam, according to authorities’ disclosures, was identified through fingerprint data, dental records and DNA analysis. The victim, 57 years old and originally from New Jersey, was allegedly homeless.
In parallel to these violent incidents, the attempted murder of a 45-year-old man occurred at the 18th Street station in Chelsea, Manhattan, where the accused Kamel Hawkins23, deliberately pushed the victim in front of a moving train, according to surveillance footage obtained.
The man was rescued in time and miraculously survived, while Hawkins faces charges of attempted murder and second-degree assault.
The recent episodes have once again mobilized the Guardian Angelsa group of civilian vigilantes led by Curtis Sliwa. This group, made up of about 150 members, patrols the subway cars and platforms in order to guarantee the safety of users and communicate with the authorities when necessary.
Sliwa explained to New York Postthat the group has a focus on homeless people or those in an emotionally disturbed state. “Our job is to do a wellness check on homeless or emotionally disturbed people and see if they are okay,” he stated.
The intervention of the Guardian Angels has been pointed out by critics as a reflection of the insufficiency of official patrols inside the trains, especially while police concentrate on the platforms.
Although the numbers demonstrate an overall reduction in transportation crime, concerns remain for passengers facing a landscape of violence and tragedy on America’s most iconic subway system.
