
Violence erupted on the No. 2 train as it approached Penn Station last Friday, resulting in a man being slashed amidst a heated altercation. The New York Daily News reports that the incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m., when a 20-year-old man punched a 45-year-old man during a dispute. In retaliation, the older man produced a box cutter, slashing the younger in the shoulder and hand. Both individuals were arrested as MTA police intervened, shutting down the train service to take control of the situation and provide medical aid.
According to the New York Daily News, an MTA cleaner described the chaotic aftermath, saying, "They shut down the whole thing. One guy stabbed the other one and the police arrested him. There was blood all over. It was a lot to clean up." To quickly restore order, MTA police were able to recover the box cutter from the floor of the subway car.
The stabbing came on the heels of Governor Hochul's vow to increase police presence on overnight subway trains, a plan set to fully roll out at the end of January. Her initiative aims to deploy two police officers on every overnight train as a response to escalating subway crime rates. To support this endeavor, ABC7NY notes that an investigation into the Penn Station incident is still ongoing, highlighting the complicated nature of ensuring safety amidst rising tensions underground.
In the face of ten subway murders last year, which is up from five the year prior, Gov. Hochul's plan will complement the efforts of 1,000 National Guard soldiers and at least 250 state police already deployed. An NYPD spokesman was quoted in the New York Daily News emphasizing the scope of the task: "This is a massive undertaking that involves specialized training as well as logistics and resource management. We appreciate the governor’s support in keeping New Yorkers safe." Signaling an intensified effort to render the subway safe, this deployment of law enforcement is a clear response to the public's clamor for a more visible police presence.
Both victims of the subway altercation were arrested and are facing criminal charges, as reported by ABC7NY. The injured man was subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment. The additional police officers slated to patrol the trains may serve to deter future incidents, as city officials look to bolster security and address community concerns head on.