The Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention group, are set to resume patrols in New York City’s subway system following a horrific incident where a woman was burned to death on a train.
At a Glance
- Guardian Angels resuming subway patrols after tragic arson murder
- Group founded by Curtis Sliwa in 1979 to combat rising crime
- Current 150 members to start patrols at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station
- Angels to conduct wellness checks on homeless and report issues to NYPD
- Mayor’s office criticizes move as “meaningless stunts”
Guardian Angels Return to NYC Subways
The Guardian Angels, known for their distinctive red berets and jackets, are set to make a comeback to New York City’s subway system. This decision comes in the wake of a shocking incident where a woman was set on fire while sleeping on an F train. The group’s founder, Curtis Sliwa, announced the return to patrols, citing a surge in crime reminiscent of the late 1970s when the organization was first established.
The Guardian Angels, which began with just 13 volunteers in 1979, grew to thousands of members globally. Now, with 150 current members, they aim to increase their numbers and presence to levels similar to their early days. The group plans to start patrols at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, a strategic location chosen for its high traffic and symbolic importance following the recent tragedy.
A New Approach to Subway Safety
In response to the changing landscape of urban challenges, the Guardian Angels are adapting their strategy. They will conduct wellness checks on homeless individuals and those with mental health issues, provide water, and report serious concerns to the New York Police Department. This approach aims to address root causes of subway crime while maintaining a visible presence to deter wrongdoing.
“We’re going to have to increase our numbers, increase the training and increase our presence as we did back in 1979,” Curtis Sliwa said.
The group’s return has been met with mixed reactions. While many citizens have requested their presence, citing feelings of insecurity in the subway system, critics argue that increasing official police presence might be more effective. Mayor Eric Adams’ office has dismissed the Guardian Angels’ efforts as “meaningless stunts,” emphasizing the administration’s own initiatives to improve subway safety.
Guardian Angels say they’ll start patrolling NYC subway again after woman burned to death on F train https://t.co/EQYxMkQmu6 pic.twitter.com/D9vTDcQfyk
— New York Post (@nypost) December 29, 2024
Community Response and Controversy
The Guardian Angels’ reemergence has sparked a broader conversation about community involvement in crime prevention. Supporters view the group as a symbol of resilience and a community-driven solution to urban safety concerns. However, the organization has faced criticism in the past, including accusations of embellishing encounters.
“It was an example of people just not getting involved. And we’re here to say, ‘You see something, you say something.’ You gotta do something,” Sliwa explained.
