NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD SENT TO NYC SUBWAYS TO STOP VIOLENCE
The National Guard has many functions and in The Big Apple, its presence is becoming much more common. Because of an increase in violent crimes affecting the NYC subway system, the New York National Guard is headed to Gotham in an effort to assist local law enforcement check for weapons and maintain peace. Suggested read: Did Joe Biden Serve in the Military?
Is the National Guard in New York City?
Yes, the New York National Guard is in New York City after the move was made by Gov. Kathy Hochul to deploy Guardsman to the city’s subways for patrol duty. Illegal weapons among riders and rising violence pose safety concerns. This includes a conductor who endured a slash to their neck in an attack while working on the subway. The NYC subway system is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and hasn’t seen as many riders. However, there were still more than 1 billion riders in 2023, emphasizing the scope of the job the New York Army National Guard has on its hands. In total, the New York National Guard units deploying to NYC subways will amount to 750 Guardsmen. Additionally, there will also be 250 members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police and New York state police checking bags for weapons. The plan before the New York National Guard deployment was to have members of the force throughout the subway only carrying M17 pistols. However, the reality of the deployment is already showing differences. Social media videos circulating have already shown a Guardsman standing on duty in the subway with an M-4 rifle. While Guardsmen won’t be able to make arrests, their presence remains to ensure peaceful transit for riders. Any arrests are by the NYPD or MTA police forces. Ever since September 11, the New York National Guard has worked even more closely with police forces in NYC as a part of Joint Task Force Empire Shield.
What Is Joint Task Force Empire Shield?
Joint Task Force Empire Shield, under the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, safeguards New York City from internal security threats, established in the aftermath of 9/11. The task force actively patrols subways. They also thwarts potential terrorist activities, like the 2016 New York and New Jersey bombings. With budgets reaching tens of millions, Joint Task Force Empire Shield ensures the safety of New York City residents. Col. Paul Salas commands the task force, operated through the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs office, serving as the main information hub for various New York National Guard units and militias. Related read: State of Texas Proposition 6 Highlights National Guard Frustrations
New York National Guard Highlights More High-Profile Use Cases
The National Guard restoring order among the subways in NYC is how Guardsman are making headlines across the country. There have been several usages or proposals. This includes fulfilling school bus driver shortages, helping monitor a school outside of Boston, working at Rikers Island Correctional Facility, and of course, working along the Texas border. Even before recent activity, Guardsmen were tasked with helping hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. More typical actions from the U.S. National Guard stateside usually involve assistance during and following a national emergency, such as a hurricane or wildfire. Now, Gov. Hochul is using them to help maintain the safety of subways, while banning people convicted of an assault from the NYC transit system. Frankly, it’s a shame the New York National Guard is needed. Hopefully, their service can curtail the violence and ease the minds of riders. Read next: Germany Declares War on The US: A Look Back at Our Conflicts
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