United States: New Yorkers worried about insecurity on public transport
Audio 01:19
In 2022, insecurity in New York in transport worries the inhabitants.
© John Minchillo/AP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
In New York, the subway has been the target of numerous violence in recent weeks.
Since the beginning of the year, four people have been killed and dozens attacked or injured.
There was the shootout in which 10 passengers were shot and injured in April.
Various facts that increase a feeling of insecurity already fueled by the increase in general crime in the Big Apple.
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With our correspondent in New York,
Loubna Anaki
Every day, more than three million people take the metro.
But more than 50% of New Yorkers say they no longer feel safe on public transport.
“
I have lived here for 22 years.
There have always been incidents, but it's been much more violent since last year
,” said a resident.
Since the Covid epidemic, violent crimes have represented a real challenge for the authorities.
And the
multiplication of shootings
and assaults in the metro in recent weeks does not help the situation.
"
This morning, I caught myself looking around to make sure no one was acting weird,
" she continues.
I can't deny that I think about it.
»
"
I stay away from suspicious people, I avoid looking in their direction, to avoid any problem
," said another woman.
“
Even if sometimes I have my headphones on, I remain vigilant if someone approaches me.
And I stay away from the edges of the wharf
, ”explains another New Yorker.
In an attempt to reassure New Yorkers and deal with insecurity, the mayor announced a new plan which notably provides for the deployment of 250 police officers in addition to the 3,000 who already patrol transport.
The homeless targeted by the town hall
Eric Adams also displays a zero tolerance policy towards homeless people who find refuge in metro stations and trains.
They are now ordered to leave the premises.
A plan criticized by many associations who believe that these measures stigmatize an already deprived population, without solving the real problems.
► To read also: Joe Biden goes to Harlem, a neighborhood again terrorized by violence
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United States
Crime