March 18, 2024 Edition: Letters to the Editor discussing the recent Subway shooting on the A train

The recent shooting on the A train in Brooklyn has once again brought attention to the escalating violence in the New York subway system. In this edition of “Letters to the Editor,” concerned citizens express their frustrations and propose potential solutions to address this pressing issue.

Denis David from East Rockaway points out that recidivist criminals and the mentally ill are responsible for the majority of subway crimes. He calls on politicians to reinstate bail for recidivists and implement viable solutions to address the growing number of mentally ill individuals in the subway system. Without these measures, passengers will continue to live in fear and anxiety.

Jackie Biaggi from The Bronx criticizes Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for their ineffective approaches. Biaggi believes that simply increasing law enforcement in the subways will not solve the problem. Instead, she suggests repealing bail-reform laws, increasing psychiatric beds, and providing housing for the more serious, criminally insane offenders. She highlights the frustration of police officers, who see numerous arrests resulting in little to no convictions.

Mike Lapinga from Staten Island expresses his frustration with another violent incident in the subways. He suggests Mayor Adams “bring out the big guns” and send in the cavalry to eliminate transit crime. Lapinga references Governor Hochul’s plan to send in the National Guard without long guns and calls for a stronger response.

Renee Barrett from The Bronx warns against perpetuating stereotypes and increasing hostility towards black men. She argues that mental illness does not only affect poor black men who happen to be in the subway. Barrett emphasizes the need to recognize mental illness as a broader issue that affects individuals from various backgrounds.

George Markos from Eatontown, NJ reflects on the troubling trend of how acts of self-defense in public transportation are perceived and responded to. He refers to a recent case where a man named Daniel Penny was arrested and prosecuted for defending himself against a man threatening passengers on the subway. Markos believes that individuals should be allowed to protect themselves and others when their safety is jeopardized.

Vin Morabito from Scranton, Penn highlights the irony of the National Guard’s presence in the subway system failing to prevent a shooting. Morabito questions the effectiveness of having armed personnel without being able to stop an armed assailant.

Sara Gershon from Syosset challenges Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul to ride the subway without protection, accompanied only by community activists and mental health advisors. Gershon’s statement suggests that experiencing the reality of subway travel without adequate protection may change their perspective on the issue.

Peter Cooper from Bronxville emphasizes the importance of visible law enforcement in deterring crime. He suggests that transit police and the National Guard should be seen riding the trains. Additionally, Cooper believes that Mayor Adams should incentivize more young men and women to join the NYPD to address the escalating violence.

The letters from concerned citizens in this edition of “Letters to the Editor” highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to address the escalating violence in the New York subway system. The recurring themes include the reinstatement of bail for recidivists, better management of mentally ill individuals in the subway, a stronger law enforcement presence, and the recognition of self-defense in public transportation. It is clear that action must be taken to restore safety and security for subway passengers, who currently live in fear and anxiety.