Guardian Angels, Led by Curtis Sliwa, Resume Patrols on NYC Subways After Fatal F Train Incident at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue

Dec 29, 2024, 07:20 PM

The Guardian Angels, a volunteer vigilante group led by Curtis Sliwa, have resumed patrolling New York City's subway system in response to rising crime rates, including a recent incident where a woman was burned to death on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The group aims to increase its presence to levels not seen since its inception in 1979, with plans to expand from 150 members to 1,000. The patrols will focus on conducting wellness checks for homeless and emotionally disturbed individuals, providing water, and alerting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police to potential dangers. Sliwa announced the decision at the Brooklyn station where the fatal incident occurred, emphasizing the need for a visual presence to calm situations and encourage civilian action. The move comes amid criticism of the lack of police presence in the subway system, with Sliwa stating that crime levels have returned to those of 1979. Guatemalan migrant Sebastian Zapeta-Calil was arrested in connection with the fatal incident.