Let’s face it: New York City isn’t what it used to be. Every day, it feels like there’s another story about someone allegedly getting shoved onto subway tracks, slashed on the street, or otherwise caught in the chaos of a city that seems to have lost its way. The recent attack at the 18th Street subway station is just the latest in a string of horrifying incidents that make you wonder: Where’s the leadership? And how soon can we fast-forward to January 20th, when Trump starts his new term?
The Latest Incident: 18th Street Station
According to The New York Post, on December 31, 2024, a 45-year-old man was allegedly shoved onto the tracks by 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, a repeat offender with a history of violent behavior. The victim, miraculously, survived after being hit by a train, suffering only head injuries. Hawkins, who was apprehended near Columbus Circle, has been charged with attempted murder. His father, speaking to reporters, said his son had been acting erratically for weeks. Erratically? That’s one word for it. Another might be: How did this guy even get the chance to roam free?
A History of Subway Shoves
This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past few decades, New York City has seen its fair share of subway pushing tragedies. ABC7NY reported on a March 2024 case where Carlton McPherson allegedly pushed a man to his death in East Harlem. Like Hawkins, McPherson had a long rap sheet. These aren’t accidents—they’re predictable failures of a system that doesn’t take public safety seriously.
And it’s not just recent history. According to City Journal, a study of subway shoving incidents from 1975 to 1991 found nearly all offenders had severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. We’re talking about decades of the same problem, yet here we are in 2025, with the same headlines and the same failures.
Why Is This Still Happening?
Look, it’s no mystery. Weak leadership is to blame. Kathy Hochul has been an absolute disaster for this state. Under her watch, crime in the city has spiraled. She’s done little to address the mental health crisis fueling many of these attacks, let alone enforce consequences for violent repeat offenders. Can someone tell me what she’s been doing while commuters allegedly dodge literal death on the way to work?
Thankfully, Trump can’t start his second term fast enough. Say what you will about him, but at least he understands the need for law and order. And if New York’s own leadership won’t protect its people, it’s about time someone else steps in.
What Needs to Change
How many more tragedies do we need before someone does something? Other cities like Tokyo and Seoul have implemented platform screen doors to prevent these kinds of attacks. Why hasn’t New York even started? And while we’re at it, how about addressing the mental health crisis head-on? If someone is unstable enough to allegedly shove a stranger onto the tracks, they shouldn’t be walking around unsupervised.
And let’s not forget the police. There’s only so much they can do when politicians tie their hands. We need leaders who prioritize public safety over political optics. Plain and simple.
Final Thoughts
New York City is resilient—always has been. But resilience shouldn’t mean putting up with this madness. Subway shoving incidents aren’t just tragic; they’re preventable. With the right leadership, infrastructure improvements, and a commitment to cracking down on crime, we could make incidents like these a thing of the past.
Until then, stay vigilant on the platforms. And let’s hope January 20th brings some much-needed change, because this city is long overdue for it.
Disclaimer
This article is an opinion piece. It reflects the author’s views on subway safety, crime, and leadership in New York City, particularly in light of recent incidents and historical patterns. While efforts have been made to include accurate and relevant information, this piece is based on the latest articles from reliable sources and is not firsthand or original reporting.
