A recent slew of violent attacks on New York City’s subway system has caused alarm among commuters and sparked calls for increased safety measures. The latest incident, which occurred on 2 June, saw a 50-year-old man punched and kicked by a group of unknown individuals at a Brooklyn subway station. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but it comes just weeks after other violent incidents on the city’s subways.
In late May, a man riding the southbound D train in Manhattan was “slashed” in the chin by another passenger who then fled the station. Two days later, a woman was shoved into a subway car in another unprovoked attack. These incidents, along with others, have prompted concerns about the safety of New York City’s subway system.
The issue has gained even more attention following the death of Jordan Neely in May. Neely, a subway performer who was homeless and had a history of mental health issues, died after being placed in a chokehold by former US Marine Daniel Penny. Penny has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection to the incident.
The subway attacks have ignited a conversation about mental health support for the homeless as well as concerns about vigilantism. While some have hailed Penny as a hero, others have criticized his actions and called for more support for those experiencing homelessness.
There have been calls for increased police presence on the subway as well as for better mental health resources and intervention. The New York Police Department has released surveillance footage of the suspects in the most recent attack and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to concerns about violent attacks, commuters on London’s Underground system experienced a terrifying incident on Saturday. Passengers on a train at Clapham Common station smashed windows and fled onto the tracks due to smoke in the carriage. The incident was later determined to be caused by brake dust and not a fire, but it has raised concerns about safety on public transportation systems around the world.
As commuters navigate their journeys, they are looking for reassurance that they can travel safely and without fear of attack or other incidents. It is the responsibility of authorities to ensure that public transportation systems are safe and well-maintained, with adequate resources for addressing mental health issues and other potential causes of violence.
