New York MTA CEO Janno Lieber dismissed subway riders’ concerns about violent crime, calling their fears “in people’s heads” during a Monday interview with Bloomberg. His comments have drawn backlash from residents and officials alike, particularly in light of rising crime rates and recent high-profile attacks on the city’s subway system.
Lieber downplayed the severity of subway crime, stating, “Some of these high-profile incidents…have gotten in people’s heads and made the whole system feel unsafe.” While overall crime in the city dropped by 3% in 2024, felony assaults on the subway and mass transit have risen by 65% since 2019, with 579 reported last year.
The alarming rise in subway crime includes the burning death of Debrina Kawam, set on fire by an illegal immigrant, and the assault of a 71-year-old woman on New Year’s Day by teenage girls. These incidents have contributed to widespread fears among commuters, who are increasingly reliant on the subway due to the recently implemented congestion tax.
People are burnt alive on the subway.@MTA thinks it's in people's heads. https://t.co/a1Ytrht4YV
— Ginny Fidler 💋 (@KathyMschotschi) January 6, 2025
It’s disturbing that the corrupt MTA Chairman, who’s paid $400k a year and NEVER uses the subway, has the audacity to claim subway crime is “in our heads.” He should resign immediately. He is dangerously out of touch and has only made the system more expensive for working people… https://t.co/Q2t8tDSna0
— Curtis Sliwa (@CurtisSliwa) January 6, 2025
Gov. Kathy Hochul has also claimed the subway is safer, pointing to National Guard deployments in March 2024. However, critics argue the deployment highlights the severity of the problem rather than solving it. Shortly after one of Hochul’s posts touting the subway’s safety, Kawam’s murder underscored the ongoing dangers.
MTA BOARD MEMBER SUGGESTS YOU SHOULD HUG A COLUMN IN THE SUBWAY TO AVOID GETTING SHOVED IN FRONT OF A TRAIN BY A DERANGED LUNATIC THE MTA WILL NOT REMOVE FROM THE SYSTEM
She said it’s important to be mindful of what’s going on around you, especially on a narrow platform. While… pic.twitter.com/zUs0s8sDsO
— Reza Chowdhury (@RezaC1) January 6, 2025
GASLIGHT! Weeks After Woman Was Set on Fire in Subway, New York MTA CEO Says Crime Is in People's Heads https://t.co/3J3Ex2vSF2
— Carol RN *Miss Rush & the Gipper* 👩⚕️🇺🇸 🇮🇱🦈 (@pasqueflower19) January 7, 2025
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa criticized both Hochul and Lieber for “gaslighting” New Yorkers and announced expanded patrols on the subway. “The need is here now once again,” Sliwa said, drawing parallels to the 1970s when crime forced similar interventions.
Y do so many lifelong NYorkers refuse 2 ride subway now? Outrage as NY subway boss says fear of crime on transport network is 'in people's heads'. https://t.co/OtVeKUVvAm
— willwinforever (@willwinforever) January 6, 2025
The absolute galling audacity spewed today by @MTA Chair&CEO Janno Lieber that subway crime is “in people’s heads”.. is he for real? Last week, multiple stabbing & a woman was set on fire! When was the last time this pompous a$$ rode public transportation! HE MUST STEP DOWN! pic.twitter.com/ZujsIPY0id
— Concetta🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@concetta8631) January 6, 2025
One subway rider summed up the frustration, saying, “People burned to death, shoved under a train, and watching others use the train as a toilet is a figment of the imagination? That’s an interesting line of BS.”
Don't worry, the mta wants you on the subways even more now with congestion pricing.
Have fun you suckers! Buy a gun! https://t.co/SIR5ZovBkh— Just Some Guy (@JohnyTwoTimes13) January 3, 2025
