Guardian Angels Return to Patrol Subways, Criticize City’s Handling of Homelessness
A week after a woman was burned to death at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station, the Guardian Angels announced the return of their volunteer security patrols and called attention to the surge of homeless individuals in the system.
Return of Guardian Angels Patrols
Curtis Sliwa, who founded the Guardian Angels in 1979, said Sunday he would have 150 of his volunteer members on regular duty throughout the subway system, starting out at hubs like Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue and then dispersing out throughout the subways.
Surge of Homelessness in the System
In the wake of the Dec. 23 arson attack at the station, Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue has become a winter destination for homeless New Yorkers riding through the system. When amNewYork Metro visited on Dec. 29, we observed numerous homeless men and women riding in the subway cars, some asleep on the benches with bare feet and/or garbage strewn around them.
Guardian Angels’ First Day of Patrols
During their first day of patrols, Guardian Angels at the Coney Island stop came upon a woman vomiting and begging for help. A member dialed 911, and another member provided her with water. The incident proved too much for one of the Angels who stepped off the train and became emotional, tears streaming down her face. Several individuals stayed with the sick woman as the patrol continued.
Criticisms of City’s Handling of Homelessness
Sliwa criticized the city for doing "nothing" to abate the homelessness situation in the subways and provide relief. "It’s a moving homeless hotel of emotionally disturbed persons, of homeless people who live on the subway. The city does nothing about it, there’s no intervention, there’s no wellness check," Sliwa said.
Response from City Hall
Mayor Eric Adams’ Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak pushed back against Sliwa’s comments, stating that hizzoner has steadily placed more NYPD officers into the subway while also implying that Sliwa’s announcement was merely a publicity stunt. "Mayor Adams is committed to improving the lives of New Yorkers, which is why he frequently rides the subway to speak directly with everyday riders about how we can make it safer. The mayor surged 1,000 police officers per day into the subways, has brought down overall crime, and transit crime, delivering real action — not theatrics — but he knows there’s still more work to be done."
Conclusion
The Guardian Angels’ return to patrol the subways is a response to the surge of homelessness in the system and the city’s perceived inaction. While some may question the group’s methods, their concerns about the city’s handling of homelessness are valid. The city must continue to address the issue and provide relief to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Guardian Angels’ goal with their return to patrol the subways?
A: The Guardian Angels aim to aid commuters and the unhoused and mentally ill by providing a sense of security and distributing water to those in need.
Q: How many Guardian Angels will be patrolling the subways?
A: 150 of the group’s volunteer members will be on regular duty throughout the subway system.
Q: What is the city’s response to the Guardian Angels’ criticisms?
A: The city’s response is that it has increased the number of NYPD officers in the subways and has brought down overall crime and transit crime, but acknowledges that there is still more work to be done.
