Increase in Gun Seizures on NYC Subways

There’s been a noticeable surge in gun seizures on the subway. New York City Police Department data reveals that police confiscated 148% more firearms from basements last year compared to 2021. This uptick coincides with an increased police presence on public transit aimed at reducing crime.

In 2025, police recovered 77 guns from offenders, a significant rise from just 31 in 2021. Interestingly, the NYPD reports that overall gun violence across the city has hit historic lows, along with a decrease in weapons-related incidents on transit.

Experts believe the heightened police visibility at subway stations and platforms is significantly contributing to these growing weapon seizures. Michael Alcazar, a former NYPD officer and adjunct professor, noted that many collars may have resulted from subway passengers spotting suspicious behavior and alerting officers.

Though he suggested that’s not the only factor. Alcazar also shared his thoughts on criminals feeling more emboldened, potentially due to shifts in the criminal justice system. “The bad guys are often not the brightest,” he remarked, suggesting these individuals might think they can carry weapons without facing significant repercussions.

Police noted that some criminals have drawn attention to themselves by jumping turnstiles and acting disorderly. With a new police chief in charge, Alcazar expects arrests to rise.

Joseph Giacalone, another former NYPD sergeant and professor, raised concerns about the implications of these arrests. He questioned how many offenders faced serious consequences versus those who might receive minimal penalties. “Were they just given a slap on the wrist or placed under community supervision?” he asked.

“With so many law enforcement agents around, it seems some people might not fear the repercussions of carrying guns,” he added, raising doubts about how long the new administration would permit turnstile arrests, especially as some argue such actions disproportionately impact the underprivileged.

“To effectively reduce crime on the subway, enforcement at the turnstiles is crucial,” Giacalone stated, noting that it will be interesting to see the new mayor’s approach to this issue.

Despite these concerns, the NYPD has indicated that 2025 is set to be the “safest year for gun violence,” highlighting a significant decline in mass transit shootings and related fatalities. Overall, underground crime has seen a decrease of 4% according to the department.

These developments not only enhance the safety of the transportation system but also contribute to a sense of security among commuters. In a recent incident, a 35-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint while exiting the B/D subway at Grand and Christie streets.