Janno Lieber, CEO of New York’s MTA, sparked backlash Monday after claiming subway riders’ fears about violent crime are “in people’s heads.” The statement came during an interview with Bloomberg, where Lieber downplayed the growing safety concerns on public transit.
While Lieber pointed to a citywide 3% drop in overall crime for 2024, subway-related felony assaults have risen by 65% since 2019, reaching 579 reported incidents last year. This includes the recent burning death of Debrina Kawam and the assault of a 71-year-old woman on her way to church.
People are burnt alive on the subway.@MTA thinks it's in people's heads. https://t.co/a1Ytrht4YV
— Ginny Fidler 💋 (@KathyMschotschi) January 6, 2025
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who deployed National Guard troops to assist law enforcement in the subway, has also faced criticism. Hours after one of her posts touting subway safety, Kawam’s murder underscored the ongoing dangers.
It’s disturbing that the corrupt MTA Chairman, who’s paid $400k a year and NEVER uses the subway, has the audacity to claim subway crime is “in our heads.” He should resign immediately. He is dangerously out of touch and has only made the system more expensive for working people… https://t.co/Q2t8tDSna0
— Curtis Sliwa (@CurtisSliwa) January 6, 2025
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa called out Lieber and Hochul for “gaslighting” residents, announcing increased patrols to restore safety. “We’re going to make sure we have a visual presence just like we did in the ’70s,” Sliwa stated, referencing the group’s origins during a similar crime surge.
MTA BOARD MEMBER SUGGESTS YOU SHOULD HUG A COLUMN IN THE SUBWAY TO AVOID GETTING SHOVED IN FRONT OF A TRAIN BY A DERANGED LUNATIC THE MTA WILL NOT REMOVE FROM THE SYSTEM
She said it’s important to be mindful of what’s going on around you, especially on a narrow platform. While… pic.twitter.com/zUs0s8sDsO
— Reza Chowdhury (@RezaC1) January 6, 2025
GASLIGHT! Weeks After Woman Was Set on Fire in Subway, New York MTA CEO Says Crime Is in People's Heads https://t.co/3J3Ex2vSF2
— Carol RN *Miss Rush & the Gipper* 👩⚕️🇺🇸 🇮🇱🦈 (@pasqueflower19) January 7, 2025
New Yorkers are growing increasingly frustrated with leaders downplaying their fears. One rider remarked, “People shoved under trains and burned alive is not something you can ignore.”
Y do so many lifelong NYorkers refuse 2 ride subway now? Outrage as NY subway boss says fear of crime on transport network is 'in people's heads'. https://t.co/OtVeKUVvAm
— willwinforever (@willwinforever) January 6, 2025
The absolute galling audacity spewed today by @MTA Chair&CEO Janno Lieber that subway crime is “in people’s heads”.. is he for real? Last week, multiple stabbing & a woman was set on fire! When was the last time this pompous a$$ rode public transportation! HE MUST STEP DOWN! pic.twitter.com/ZujsIPY0id
— Concetta🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@concetta8631) January 6, 2025
Efforts to address the violence continue as public pressure mounts for stronger safety measures.
Don't worry, the mta wants you on the subways even more now with congestion pricing.
Have fun you suckers! Buy a gun! https://t.co/SIR5ZovBkh— Just Some Guy (@JohnyTwoTimes13) January 3, 2025
