New York subway discovers knives increase by 190% in 23 years

According to a report from the New York Post, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has confiscated 723 knives in the subway system this year, a significant increase of 190% compared to the same period in 2023 when 249 knives were seized, which is shocking.

In addition to knives, the police have also seized guns, which have increased from 9 in 2023 to 12, a 33% increase. The police stated that the increase in weapons confiscation is related to intensified law enforcement, with the recent establishment of the “quality-of-life division” focusing on stricter enforcement of minor violations such as seat hogging and fare evasion.

Officers pointed out that minor issues could lead to bigger problems: if fare evasion is not addressed, it could allow someone carrying a gun to board the train; if someone lying on a seat is not dealt with, they could be hiding a large knife.

Since January, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has deployed a large number of police officers to patrol the subways, promising that there will be police stationed on every train every night.

According to police data, overall arrests have increased by 73%, with fare evasion-related arrests skyrocketing by 118%.

However, some repeat offenders are still being released after being arrested. 44-year-old Alvin Henigan was questioned by the police for lying on a subway seat and was found in possession of a red knife and suspected drug paraphernalia. Despite being charged with weapons and drug possession, he was released without bail the next day. Henigan has nearly 60 prior convictions, including assault, robbery, and gun-related offenses.