New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing heavy criticism after a recent social media post claimed she had made the city’s subways “safer.” The post, which came just hours after a woman died in a horrifying incident on a subway, has been deemed tone-deaf and insensitive by many.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, shocked and saddened the people of New York City. A 40-year-old woman was set on fire while riding a subway train in Brooklyn. The perpetrator, who has since been arrested, poured a flammable liquid on the woman before setting her ablaze. The victim suffered severe burns and later succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.
As the city mourned the loss of yet another innocent life, Governor Hochul took to Twitter to boast about her administration’s efforts in making the subways safer. Her post read, “I made a commitment to make the subways safer and that’s exactly what we’re doing. From adding more police to expanding mental health services, we’re taking action to ensure everyone feels safe on our subways.”
The timing and content of the post were met with immediate backlash from the public. Many criticized the governor for being insensitive and out of touch with the reality of the situation. One Twitter user wrote, “A woman just died on the subway and this is what you choose to post? Shame on you, Governor Hochul.” Another tweeted, “How can you claim to have made the subways safer when incidents like this are still happening? Your tone-deaf post is insulting to the victim and her family.”
In response to the backlash, Governor Hochul issued a statement expressing her condolences for the victim and her family. She also acknowledged that her post was poorly timed and apologized for any hurt it may have caused. However, her initial post still remains on Twitter, and many are calling for a more sincere apology and concrete actions to make the subways safer.
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of safety on New York City’s subways. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in violent crimes on the subway, including assaults, robberies, and murders. This has led to a sense of fear and unease among commuters, especially women and marginalized communities.
Governor Hochul’s predecessor, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, had introduced the “Subway Action Plan” in 2017 to address the rising crime rates. The plan included adding more police officers, increasing subway patrols, and implementing new security measures. However, many critics argue that these efforts have not been sufficient in curbing the violence on the subways.
In her post, Governor Hochul mentioned expanding mental health services as one of the actions her administration is taking to make the subways safer. While this is an important step, it is not enough. It is crucial to address the root causes of crime on the subways, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues. This requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, involving collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and the public.
Moreover, the safety of the subways should not be the sole responsibility of the governor or the government. It is a shared responsibility of all New Yorkers to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure while using public transportation. This includes speaking out against any form of violence or harassment, reporting suspicious activities, and advocating for better safety measures.
In the wake of this tragic incident, it is time for action rather than mere words and empty promises. Governor Hochul must prioritize the safety of the subways and take concrete steps to achieve it. This includes increasing police presence, implementing stricter security measures, and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to crime on the subways.
In the end, the safety of the subways is not just about statistics and numbers, but about the lives of the people who use it every day. Governor Hochul must listen to the concerns of the public and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive subway system for all New Yorkers. As a city known for its resilience and unity, we must come together to make our subways truly safe for everyone.
