New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to dispatch 750 National Guard members of the National Guard to conduct bag checks in subway stations is supposed to reassure the public and deter potential threats.
Hochul is ordering a force of nearly 1,000 people, comprising 750 National Guard members, state police and transit officers, to conduct bag checks at some of the busiest stations.
The effort, Hochul said, is intended to "rid our subways of people who commit crimes and [to] protect all New Yorkers whether you're a commuter or a transit worker." — nbcnews.com Gov. Kathy Hochul sending National Guard members to New York City subways to combat ongoing crime
Governor Hochul's rationale for this significant action stems from a series of unsettling, high-profile crimes that have not only endangered lives but have also instilled fear among millions of subway users. In the past few days, a video has gone viral showing an incident in a crowded subway car during rush-hour involving three people which left a man stabbed and shot to death with his own gun. The governor's initiative seeks to "rid our subways of people who commit crimes" and ensure the safety of both commuters and transit workers. This push for enhanced security measures, including a significant increase in subway surveillance cameras, underscores the administration's commitment to transforming the subway into a safer space for all.
However, opposition voices raise concerns about the psychological impact of having armed National Guard members in subway stations, particularly pointing out the initial presence of long guns, which Governor Hochul later banned. Critics argue that the sight of military-grade weapons and uniformed personnel might induce anxiety rather than a sense of security among passengers. They question the balance between ensuring public safety and preserving a non-intimidating, welcoming public transportation environment. The imagery of the National Guard performing bag checks, they fear, could exacerbate the already high tensions among the city's residents.
Moreover, questions loom over the actual efficacy of the National Guard's presence, given their limitations compared to the police force. Without the power to arrest, there's speculation about what the National Guard can genuinely achieve in this role. Will their presence deter crime effectively, or is it an overreach that might lead to unnecessary confrontations? And more pressingly, in an extreme scenario, would they discharge weapons on civilians, and does their training adequately prepare them for urban law enforcement? The debate intensifies as New Yorkers ponder whether this military involvement is a proactive safety measure or an exaggerated response that could strain civil liberties without providing tangible security benefits.