New York City’s subway system is seeing a significant increase in murders, with a 60% rise reported this year. NYPD data reveals that eight murders have occurred in the subway system or at its stations as of early September, up from five during the same period last year. This trend is threatening to match the 25-year high of 10 murders set in 2022.
The most recent incident involved Freddie Weston, 47, who was shot at the Rockaway Avenue station on September 5, 2024. Weston’s family has criticized the station’s lack of surveillance, suggesting that his death might have been prevented with better security. Jakeba Dockery, whose husband was also a subway violence victim, described the growing danger, saying, “It just feels evil.”
To combat rising subway crime, New York City has increased security measures by deploying 750 National Guardsmen and an additional 1,000 NYPD officers. These actions have contributed to a 15% reduction in overall subway felonies and record weapon seizures, including 43 firearms and 1,536 knives.
The NYPD has credited these measures with reducing other forms of crime in the subway system but acknowledges that the increase in murders remains a serious concern. The department continues to focus on proactive policing and thorough investigations to address the problem.
As the city nears a potential record for subway murders, officials are facing growing pressure to enhance safety and tackle the rising violence in the transit system.
