Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrives to deliver his 100 Days Address, a speech dedicated to outlining the progress made on his core campaign promises since taking office, in Queens, New York City, U.S., April 12, 2026. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado
(New York, New York ) – Subway safety is becoming a major political headache for Mayor Zohran Mamdani as new NYPD numbers show troubling increases in serious transit crime.
The sharpest figure getting attention is murder in the subway system, which reportedly rose 300%. Robberies are also up, adding to the growing concern among riders who already feel uneasy on platforms and trains.
For critics, the numbers undercut Mamdani’s broader public safety message. They argue that no amount of progressive policy talk matters if New Yorkers are afraid to ride the subway.
The mayor’s supporters may point out that crime data can swing sharply when the raw numbers are small, especially with murder totals. But politically, the damage is simple: the subway is where millions of New Yorkers judge whether the city feels under control.
