Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy the National Guard and State Police in the New York City subway system to address fears of crime has sparked immediate backlash from various corners just 24 hours after the announcement. Critics from both the left and the center have raised concerns about the militarization of the response and the potential negative impact on public perception.

Public Advocate Jumaane N. Williams warned that the plan could criminalize the public on public transit, while Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher criticized it as a ham-fisted and authoritarian response that could validate GOP propaganda. Centrists also expressed worry that the presence of armed troops might actually make people feel less safe.

Even top brass from the New York Police Department, including Chief of Patrol John Chell, took issue with the deployment. Chief Chell pointed out that transit crime had already been declining due to increased police presence and questioned the need for outside law enforcement assistance. He also suggested that state leaders should focus on repealing or overhauling criminal justice laws instead.

The rare public disagreement between the Police Department and political leaders highlighted the divisions within New York as it grapples with a pandemic-related crime surge. Mayor Eric Adams, who had requested more funding for police overtime to increase underground presence, reportedly disagreed with Governor Hochul’s approach and skipped the announcement.

Governor Hochul defended her plan as a way to reassure New Yorkers of their safety and send a strong message ahead of upcoming elections. The move comes as the city faces a spike in subway crime and violent incidents that threaten the region’s economic recovery.

While some subway riders and moderate Democrats supported the plan, critics raised concerns about civil liberties and questioned its effectiveness. Even Republicans, who typically advocate for more policing, remained skeptical of the deployment.

Overall, Governor Hochul’s subway plan has sparked intense debate and highlighted the complexities of addressing crime in a major metropolitan area. The disagreements underscore the challenges of balancing public safety with civil liberties and political considerations.

The immediate blowback to Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy the National Guard and State Police in the New York City subway system to address fears of crime underscores the complexities of addressing public safety in a major metropolitan area. Just 24 hours after the announcement, critics from various corners, including both the left and the center, have raised concerns about the plan’s potential impact on public perception and civil liberties.

While some subway riders and moderate Democrats have expressed support for the plan, others have questioned its effectiveness and raised concerns about the militarization of the response. The rare public disagreement between the New York Police Department and political leaders like Governor Hochul highlights the challenges of balancing public safety with civil liberties and political considerations.

Overall, the intense criticism of Governor Hochul’s subway plan underscores the need for a nuanced approach to addressing crime in New York City and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement and public safety in urban environments.