Governor Hochul's Response to Rising Subway Crime
In a decisive move to address the escalating crime rates in New York City's subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul has repeatedly deployed the National Guard over the past year. Initially announced in March 2024, Hochul sent 750 National Guard members and 250 state police and MTA officers to patrol the subways and conduct bag checks following a series of violent incidents. This deployment was intended to restore a sense of safety among commuters amid reports of assaults, robberies, and even murders in the transit system.
By December 2024, with the holiday tourist season approaching, Hochul bolstered this presence by deploying an additional 250 National Guard members to deter crime. According to state officials, this increased security has resulted in a reported 10% reduction in subway crime rates since the initial deployment, though challenges persist as crime continues to be a concern for many New Yorkers.
Public and Political Reactions to the Deployment
The deployment of the National Guard to an urban transit system has sparked varied reactions among residents and activists. Some commuters have expressed relief at the visible presence of law enforcement, believing it acts as a deterrent to potential criminals. However, others, including police reform advocates, have voiced dismay, arguing that militarizing public spaces may not address the root causes of crime such as mental health issues or economic disparity.
Posts found on social media platforms like X reflect a polarized sentiment, with some users praising the governor's tough stance while others criticize it as an overreach or insufficient to solve deeper systemic issues. The debate continues as to whether such measures provide long-term solutions or merely serve as temporary fixes to a complex problem.
Broader Context of National Guard Use in Urban Settings
Governor Hochul's actions are not isolated, as the use of the National Guard in urban environments has been seen elsewhere recently. Notably, President Donald J. Trump ordered the deployment of federal troops to Washington, D.C., in August 2025 to address crime concerns, marking another instance of military presence in American cities this year. While Hochul's deployment operates under state authority and focuses on public transit safety, it draws parallels to broader national discussions on law enforcement and crime prevention strategies.
This recurring use of the National Guard by different leaders highlights a growing trend of leveraging military resources to tackle domestic issues. In New York, beyond subways, Hochul also activated Guard members to state correctional facilities in February 2025 to address staffing shortages, showcasing the diverse applications of such forces in addressing public safety challenges across the state.