The New York City transit system has seen a massive increase in murder and violence of late, with over three killings so far this year on the subway.

The three murders in the NYC transit system so far this year mean that the city is already on track to surpass last year’s total in subway killings. In 2023, there were a total of five subway murders recorded by the authorities.

The statistics are even more alarming, if we consider that

more people have been killed on New York City’s subway transit system since the start of 2020 than in the 15 years prior,

– writes The Post Millennial, citing data released by the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The NYPD is worried, because they see an upward trend despite the fact that there was an increase in officer staffing and surveillance measures on the city’s transit system, all in an attempt to deter criminal activity.

Since the start of 2020, records show that NYPD recorded 32 murders in subway trains and stations. To compare, the department recorded a total of 31 murders between 2005 and 2019.

This year is already off to a bad start.

During a press briefing in February, following the killing of a 45-year-old subway passenger, NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper underlined that

crime had increased by 45 percent in January, compared to the year prior,

– according to the Gothamist portal.

„Look, our cops are out there, they’re visible,” Mr Kemper said. „Our riders, I know they see them. [Officers are] riding trains, they’re on platforms, they’re engaging with acts of lawlessness every single day.”

The millions of daily subway riders remain under the watchful eye of your Transit cops – who remain steadfast and dedicated to the mission of public safety, especially within our vital mass-transit network. pic.twitter.com/KnFVCT2Uiq

— NYPD Chief of Transit (@NYPDTransit) March 1, 2024

“We’re not going to tell New Yorkers that they should’t be concerned when there’s a shooting, and that the overall trajectory of crime is down versus last year in the month of February,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) chair Janno Lieber said.

Mr Lieber emphasized that NYC has installed more than 1,000 surveillance cameras on the trains, as well as cameras in all 472 stations.

In an earlier piece, the Gothamist highlighted that although the New York Police Department had spent $155 million on overtime for subway security in 2022, there was only a 2-percent decline in significant crimes committed on the trains.

On January 14, Richie Henderson, 45, was short and killed while riding a 3 train in Brooklyn. Henderson was trying to break up a fight over loud music when he was shot to death. Police are still searching for the suspect.

On February 12, Obed Beltran-Sanchez, 35, was also shot and killed in the crossfire, when two teenagers started firing gunshots on the platform following a dispute. Authorites have arrested a 16-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting.

On February 23, another 45-year-old male victim was shot dead at a Bronx subway station. The three suspects have not yet been arrested, but surveillance footage picked up images and NYPD is hoping to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Update: The following individuals have been identified and are wanted regarding this homicide.

Justin Herde, Betty Cotto, and Alfredo Trinidad.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to DM @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS. https://t.co/28wr5rjtda

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 26, 2024