Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday that high-profile random attacks, particularly the horrific arson that burned a woman to death on the F train, have “cast a shadow” on New York City's supposed success in curbing subway crime during 2024. insisted.
In a defiant year-end press conference, Mr. Adams reiterated his long-standing argument that “perceptions” of out-of-control subway crime must be curbed.
“We're working to bring the numbers down, but as we've said many times and will say again in 2022, New Yorkers must feel safe,” he told reporters from City Hall. Ta.
“People see and feel what they read. So our success has dimmed.”
Adams said New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch plans to send more officers to subway platforms and trains to engage hangers, but added He did not provide details on how many officers would be deployed or when and where they would be deployed.
His press conference came around the same time as the New York Police Department announced that investigators had identified the straphanger who was burned to death more than a week ago as Debrina Khawam, 57, of New Jersey.
Khawam was charged with first-degree murder in the sadistic attack, which was allegedly set on fire by Sebastian Zapeta-Caril, an illegal Guatemalan immigrant.
The shocking scene of Khawam's body being consumed by flames on the F train in Coney Island was captured on video, with the subway safe as the suspected killer fanned the flames and then sat quietly watching the blaze. This brought an end to a year of continued concern over sexuality. It's a dangerous return to the good old days.
In horror, Curtis Sliwa, the colorful founder of the Guardian Angels and Crusades in a red beret, returned to patrol the subway for the first time in years, and straphangers greeted them like old friends.
Adams warned his Republican opponent in the 2021 mayoral race, Sliwa, not to “go too far.”
Although the mayor claimed that only six crimes are reported per day on the subway, a closer look at NYPD crime statistics shows that violent crimes, including murder, are on the rise on the rails. I understand.
The arson brings the number of subway murders to 10 this year, double the number of homicides in 2023 and on par with the highest number in 25 years, set in 2022, according to the data.
Other attacks were also high-level, a fact underscored by the pressing of a straphanger in front of a Manhattan train shortly after Adams' press conference.
Adams insisted the subways are safe, but dismissed a scandal-plagued year that saw many of his top colleagues ousted.
The most recent to be fired was NYPD Chief Jeffrey Madley, who resigned amid explosive accusations that he demanded sexual favors from subordinates in exchange for massive amounts of overtime.
Mr. Adams sidestepped a question about whether as mayor he was responsible for appointing a controversial official like Mr. Madrid. Rather, he argued, responsibility rests on officials delivering results.
“It's my responsibility to make sure the people employed by the city serve the people of New York, and I accept that responsibility,” he said.
The mayor also argued that every administration in the Big Apple has experienced significant official disgrace.
“Life is tough,” he told the Post, before telling reporters he had “no regrets” beyond 2024.
