The head of the New York Police Department’s largest union tells MTA riders, “You’re on your own.
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Pat Lynch, the Police Benevolent Association president, criticized the lawmakers for interfering and preventing the police officers from doing their job. He said the subway passengers are now at their own risk. “Keep your eyes open and save yourself from becoming a victim,” said Lynch
A rash of underground attacks had challenged the state’s peace, which stimulated Pat Lynch to issue a warning on November 20, Friday. Government officials have forbidden the police to enforce transit system rules. Cops are no more allowed to engage in violent attacks involving mentally challenged individuals.
“We’ve no authority to prevent any such random terrifying attacks. That is what the government has decided. Fair enough! But who is going to replace us? No team has yet been organized for this! That is why I request you all to be extra careful in our transit system. Our political leaders have closed their eyes; I request you all to keep both your eyes wide open.”
The warning was issued after a woman was jostled onto subway tracks. The 40-year-old woman was struck by a train at Manhattan’s 14th Street-Union Square station.
The incident took place at 8:30 am on Thursday, November 19. The woman narrowly escaped death and would’ve died if luck didn’t have favored her. 4 similar incidents have been reported since October 19.
Sarah Feinberg, the NYC Transit president, implored the City Hall to take immediate action. She said the state’s peace is at stake, and the problem needs to be addressed. Despite a 70% decrease in subway ridership due to covid, five murder cases and 22 felony assaults have been registered since September.
Avery Cohen, the spokeswoman of Mayor Bill de Blasio, hit Pat Lynch with an angry reply. She said, “Lynch is an insult to the people he represents.
He wants a chaotic and violent city. He must be ashamed of misleading the public. We have a team of passionate and hardworking individuals who try their best to keep the subways safe.”