MTA CEO Shrugs Off Subway Crime Fears, Calls Concerns ‘In People’s Heads’

Janno Lieber, CEO of New York’s MTA, has dismissed fears over rising subway violence as an overreaction, claiming that crime concerns are “in people’s heads.” His remarks during a Monday Bloomberg interview have sparked widespread criticism from residents, officials, and advocacy groups.

Lieber pointed to overall crime statistics showing a 3% citywide decline in 2024. However, felony assaults on the subway have soared by 65% over the past five years, with 579 reported in 2024 compared to 374 in 2019. High-profile incidents like the burning death of Debrina Kawam and the assault of a 71-year-old woman have fueled public fears.

Critics, including Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, have slammed Lieber’s comments as dismissive. “The subways are out of control,” Sliwa said, announcing expanded Guardian Angels patrols to address the violence.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also faced criticism for promoting subway safety after deploying National Guard troops to assist law enforcement. Hours after one of her social media posts celebrating the deployment, Kawam was murdered, highlighting the ongoing dangers.

The rising crime on public transit has become emblematic of broader safety concerns under the Biden administration, as residents contend with the impact of policies that critics say embolden criminal behavior.

Commuters have voiced their frustration, with one rider commenting, “How do you tell us this is all in our heads when people are dying on the subway?”

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