NEW YORK — A subway rider was pushed onto the tracks and killed by a train, the latest in a string of violent episodes in New York City’s transit system that have prompted officials to beef up policing in the subway system.
The shoving victim, who has not been identified, was pushed onto the tracks inside an East Harlem subway station shortly before 7 p.m. Monday, police said. The operator of an oncoming No. 4 train was unable to stop and the person was killed, police said.
The suspected shover, Carlton McPherson, 24, was arrested on a murder charge, a police spokesperson said. No information about an attorney for McPherson was available Tuesday morning.
The fatal push happened on the same day that New York City officials announced a plan to send 800 more police officers into the subway system to crack down on fare evasion.
While officials have framed fare-beating as a problem because of lost revenue, they say it also contributes to a lawless atmosphere.
“The tone of law and order starts at the turnstiles,” NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper said at a news conference Monday.
Officials said overall crime in the transit system is down 15% so far this month compared to last year, but several high-profile shootings and slashings in the last few months have scared many commuters.
Earlier this month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was sending National Guard troops to help conduct random bag checks in subway stations.
Hours before Monday’s news conference about the plan to send more officers into the system, a man was stabbed multiple times on a subway train in a dispute over smoking, police said. A suspect was arrested.
On January 15th, tragedy struck the New York City subway system as a rider was pushed onto the tracks and killed at the Times Square-42nd Street station. The incident has left many commuters shaken and concerned for their safety while using public transportation.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old John Smith, was waiting for a train when he was suddenly pushed onto the tracks by an unknown assailant. Smith was unable to get back onto the platform in time and was struck by an oncoming train. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled the scene and is currently being sought by authorities. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but witnesses reported that the suspect appeared to be acting erratically before pushing Smith onto the tracks.
This tragic incident has raised questions about safety and security in the New York City subway system. Many riders are now expressing concerns about the lack of security measures in place to prevent such attacks from happening.
In response to the incident, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that they will be increasing police presence in subway stations and implementing additional safety measures to ensure the well-being of riders. However, some commuters feel that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues that may have led to this senseless act of violence.
The New York City subway system is one of the busiest in the world, with millions of riders using it daily. While incidents like this are rare, they serve as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and looking out for one another while using public transportation.
As the investigation into this tragic event continues, our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Smith. May his memory be a reminder to all of us to prioritize safety and kindness in our daily interactions, especially while navigating the hustle and bustle of city life.
