New York Gov. Cathy Hochul has banned the use of long guns by National Guard troops sent to check bags at Big Apple subway stations, while continuing to defend the controversial deployment.
Spokesman Hochul told The Post Sunday that the ban on military-style rifles was issued “immediately” after 750 soldiers were deployed to the subway.
After the deployment began last week, straphangers entering the subway were greeted at baggage checkpoints by soldiers wearing camouflage and carrying guns, a scene reminiscent of the streets after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was something.
The move sparked complaints that state leaders were militarizing the subways, with NYPD Sergeant John Chell accusing Hochul of treating the subways like “war zones.”
“Stop the theater!” former police chief Bernie Kerrick wrote in a post for X, adding that “the NYPD knows their job” and should be left to it.
Under Hochul’s new directive, some security guards will continue to carry assault weapons at certain subway locations, but not at physical baggage checkpoints.
On Sunday afternoon, commuters expressed support for the presence of the National Guard, but said they also agreed with Hochul’s decision to leave assault rifles in place.
“Overall, I’m in favor of having the National Guard in the subways. We all know that violent crime happens in the subways and we need to stop it,” said Peter Luciano, 37. ) told the Post.
“But guns are unnecessary. To me, it’s just a display. They’re not going to use them. It’s for fear. It’s excessive and unnecessary.”
Jazmine Diggs, a 26-year-old Brooklyn teacher, said Hochul’s actions made her feel safer, but she didn’t think a firearm was necessary.
“What would happen if someone took it away and started shooting?” Diggs said.
Daniela Pavon, 28, added: “I don’t think weapons like that should be used in a crowded space like this. I like having them. [National Guard] I feel like I’ll be protected here no matter what happens. ”
Troops appeared on the subway for the first time on Wednesday, carrying out surprise bag searches, in a major show of force that Hochul said would help solve the “crisis” of crime on the subway.
“Such brazen and brutal attacks on our nation’s subways will not be tolerated,” Hochul said.
“People heading to work, visiting family, going to the doctor’s appointment should not have to worry that the person sitting next to them has a deadly weapon,” the governor added.
“You don’t have to worry about whether someone is going to brandish a knife or a gun. That’s what we do at these checkpoints.”
Hochul fired back at critics, saying the average commuter has high levels of “anxiety” about the subway system and that the National Guard would “complement” the NYPD’s efforts to keep subways safe. insisted.
“It’s like a physical presence that makes you feel more secure when you’re feeling anxious and seeing someone to protect you when you need help. We’re there,” the governor said in an interview on WBLS 107.5 FM on Sunday.
“There has been an unusual spike in crime. There have been high-profile crimes, horrific crimes,” she continued. “Everyone thinks it could have been me. And they might be deterred from taking the train or taking the subway, but that’s not what we want. Quite the opposite. We want people to feel safe.”
Crime on subways jumped 45% in January compared to the same month last year, but fell 15% in February. Mayor Eric Adams credited the NYPD’s new patrols on the subways.
According to New York City Police Department statistics, crime in the subways has increased by 13% for the year.
Hochul’s deployment of the National Guard is part of a larger five-point plan to improve subway safety, including:
- An influx of 1,000 National Guard, state police and MTA troopers.
- A law that allows judges to ban traffic offenders from trains and buses.
- Surveillance cameras are installed in all vehicles and in the conductor’s room.
- Strengthening collaboration between the New York City Police Department and the District Attorney to deter repeat offenders.
- $20 million to expand the Subway Co-Response Outreach mental health team.
Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden and Carl Campanile.
