Democrat Governor Deploys 1,000 National Guard Troops

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed 250 additional National Guard troops to patrol the New York City subway system during the holiday season.

The initiative will bring the total number of troops to 1,000.

“It’s about continuing a strategy that has proven its success and expanding it to include more people,” Hochul said, according to CBS News.

Gov. Hochul announces another 250 National Guard troops deployed to NYC subways https://t.co/ANYAtDZcNZ pic.twitter.com/upgEkksqVG

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) December 19, 2024

ABC7 New York reports:

It brings the number of National Guard members stationed at subway entrances to 1,000. A show of force intended to deter crime and to reassure riders.

The Governor and MTA chairman insist they are making progress in driving down crime in the transit system. Overall crime is down since the pandemic but not in every category.

“This is not a response to a specific crime. We’re not seeing a trend that’s alarming, but it’s about continuing a strategy that has proven its success and expanding it to protect even more people,” Hochul said.

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The deployments were first stepped up in 2022, along with state troopers and NYPD officers, in response to a surge in post-pandemic violent crime.

New York City expects nearly 8 million visitors this holiday season.

“I’ve heard from many people that the presence of the National Guard has made not just a physical difference, but a psychological difference in how they feel about safety,” Hochul added.

WATCH:

Additional 250 National Guard troops will flood subways to keep holiday straphangers safe, Hochul announces https://t.co/dAAopB1hJk pic.twitter.com/BIKuDHfWPo

— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2024

Per CBS News:

The New York City subway system is busier than ever these days, with more than 4 million riders taking the train just last Thursday alone. Officials say it marked the highest number of riders on the subway since March 11, 2020, right before the pandemic.

Hochul says crime is down on the subway by 10% since March, when 750 National Guard members were deployed following a series of subway crimes.

“Thanks to our five-point plan to improve public safety, subway crime is down 10% just since last March. And only two years since the year 1970 have we had fewer subway crimes than we had last year,” Hochul said.

In addition, Hochul announced all subway cars are now equipped with new security cameras, which transit police say has helped them solve crimes.

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“That’s extraordinary,” Hochul said. “I just want everybody to know, if you’re thinking about committing a crime on the subway, we’re watching, and you will be caught.”

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

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