Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer citizen patrol group, has announced the organization’s return to patrolling the New York City subway system. This decision follows a tragic incident during Christmas week where a woman was burned to death on a subway train, highlighting what Sliwa calls a “crime crisis” in the city. He attributes this crisis, in part, to New York City’s sanctuary city policies, arguing that they have contributed to an influx of individuals with criminal records, leaving the city’s vulnerable population, including the homeless, at increased risk. The Guardian Angels, known for their red berets and jackets, were a prominent presence on the subway during previous periods of high crime in the city. Sliwa believes their return is necessary to address the current surge in violence, particularly the 60% increase in subway murders reported by the New York Post.
Sliwa’s plan involves Guardian Angels members patrolling subway trains “day and night,” conducting wellness checks on homeless individuals, and alerting authorities to any problems. He views this as a necessary step to fill the perceived void in public safety, intending to increase the group’s presence significantly, mirroring their growth during the late 1970s. Sliwa’s argument centers on the idea that the current environment of increased crime and violence necessitates a proactive approach, and the Guardian Angels are prepared to step in where he feels the city has failed. This proactive approach, he argues, goes beyond simple theatrics and addresses a genuine need for enhanced safety and security on the subway system.
The announcement has been met with criticism from New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office. A spokesperson for the mayor emphasized the administration’s efforts to improve subway safety, including deploying additional police officers and reducing overall crime rates. The spokesperson characterized the Guardian Angels’ return as a “meaningless stunt,” suggesting that the mayor is focused on “real solutions” rather than attention-seeking behavior. This difference in perspective highlights the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of citizen patrol groups and the role they should play in addressing public safety concerns. While Sliwa argues for the necessity of the Guardian Angels’ presence, the mayor’s office views it as a distraction from the city’s existing efforts.
Sliwa, however, remains unconvinced by the city’s claims of progress. He challenges Mayor Adams to join him on daily subway patrols to witness the severity of the situation firsthand. He argues that the current level of crime, particularly the attacks perpetrated by individuals with mental health issues residing in the subway system, underscores the failure of the city’s leadership to address the root causes of the problem. Sliwa’s invitation to the mayor is a direct challenge to the administration’s claims of progress and an attempt to highlight the urgency of the situation on the ground.
Furthermore, Sliwa criticizes the city’s prioritization of housing migrants over addressing the needs of the city’s homeless population, who he says are increasingly taking refuge in the subway system. He views this situation as a gross misallocation of resources and a direct contributor to the escalating problems on the subway. Sliwa believes that the presence of a large homeless population in the subway, coupled with the lack of adequate mental health services, creates a dangerous environment for both the homeless individuals themselves and other subway riders. This critique connects the issue of subway safety to broader social issues, including homelessness, mental health, and the city’s policies regarding migrant housing.
Ultimately, Sliwa contends that the call for the Guardian Angels’ return reflects a public demand for increased safety and security on the subway system. He believes that if the city were effectively addressing the issue, there would be no need for the Guardian Angels’ intervention. He argues that the city’s current approach is insufficient and that the volunteer efforts of the Guardian Angels are a necessary supplement to ensure the safety of New York City’s subway riders. This stance positions the Guardian Angels as a response to a perceived failure of the city government to fulfill its responsibility of providing public safety, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the complex challenges facing the subway system.
