National Guard Deployed to NYC Subway

We do want to begin tonight with the rising crime rate in New York on America's largest subway system, with millions of commuters and tourists riding every day. Well, now an extraordinary new approach by the governor there to bring down crime in the Big Apple. The Democratic governor announcing a major crackdown, hundreds of National Guard will begin tonight patrolling subway platforms and checking riders' bags. The show of force comes after a recent spike in crime in the underground transit, including three killings since January. And even today, just hours after the announcement, a train conductor reported that she was hit in the head with a glass bottle. CBS's Elaine Quijano spoke with subway riders about the new security.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's plan is aimed at improving subway riders' safety, adding 1,000 more personnel, including 750 National Guard troops to help with patrols and random bag searches.

Anyone looking to do harm or spread fear on our subways, you will be caught.

The move comes after a more than 46% spike in major crimes in the city's transit system in January compared to 2023. Across the country. CBS News polling shows crime is a top concern for voters, but data shows crime is down in big cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

In the daytime, I feel safe. Nighttime, I don't know, man. Because I be saying where's the cops? You don't see them that much.

Already this year, there have been several high-profile crimes in New York's subway system, including three killings and a brutal attack on a conductor.

But you have to feel safe in the system, because I know how it plays on your psyche when you hear about some random acts of violence.

Danny Pearlstein is with the transit advocacy group, Riders Alliance.

With stationing troops there, that's going to create a heightened climate of fear of the subway. It's not getting at the root causes of the problems.

The governor's plan does include $20 million for mental health outreach.

In the morning, you see nothing but the homeless on the trains. I don't feel safe. Sometimes, I just take the bus.

More than three million people ride the New York City transit system every day, but Norah, that is down from a peak of five million people per day before the pandemic.

All right. I know that's controversial. We'll be watching, Elaine Quijano. Thank you.