Guardian Angels Resume Citizen Patrols in New York City Subways
Adorned in their recognizable head-to-toe red, the Guardian Angels say they have resumed citizen patrols of New York City’s subway system in the wake of a particularly violent death.
Background
The volunteer patrol group, led by former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, will deploy teams of three across the transit system to move throughout the subway cars.
Patrol Duties
The Guardian Angels on patrol will conduct wellness checks on any homeless person they encounter and provide them water, if needed. They will also report any issues to the NYPD.
Return to Patrols
It’s been years since the red-clad citizen group has been seen on the city’s trains. The Guardian Angels were last seen patrolling subways in 2021 during a spike in violence against Asian New Yorkers.
Recent Brooklyn Murder
Their return comes on the heels of the recent Brooklyn murder where authorities have said a sleeping woman was set on fire and died on an F train in Coney Island.
Public Response
“Since then, hundreds of citizens have requested the return of the Guardian Angels to patrol the subways,” the group claimed in their return announcement.
Mayor’s Response
The mayor’s office put out a statement seeking to downplay any alarms over recent subway crimes and tout his record on transit safety.
“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. Unlike others who only seek attention with meaningless stunts, Mayor Adams remains focused on real solutions,” Mayor Eric Adams’ office said Sunday.
Conclusion
The Guardian Angels’ return to patrol the subways is a response to the recent surge in violence and crime in the city’s transit system. While the mayor’s office has downplayed the need for the group’s return, the Guardian Angels believe that their presence will help to increase safety and security for subway riders.
FAQs
Q: Why are the Guardian Angels returning to patrol the subways?
A: The Guardian Angels are returning to patrol the subways in response to the recent surge in violence and crime in the city’s transit system.
Q: What will the Guardian Angels do during their patrols?
A: The Guardian Angels will conduct wellness checks on any homeless person they encounter and provide them water, if needed. They will also report any issues to the NYPD.
Q: How will the Guardian Angels’ patrols affect the city’s transit system?
A: The Guardian Angels’ patrols are expected to increase safety and security for subway riders. The group’s presence may also help to deter crime and reduce the number of incidents in the city’s subways.
Q: What is the mayor’s response to the Guardian Angels’ return?
A: The mayor’s office has downplayed the need for the Guardian Angels’ return, citing the city’s efforts to increase police presence in the subways and reduce crime.
