Guardian Angels Return to NYC Subways After Horrific Arson

Following the shocking arson murder of a sleeping straphanger on a NYC subway train, the Guardian Angels are resuming patrols, their first since 2020. Founder Curtis Sliwa announced the renewed efforts at the scene of the crime, the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island station in Brooklyn.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/founder-leader-volunteer-citizens-patrol-95969099.jpg?w=1024" alt="Curtis Sliwa stands in the doorway of a subway train">

Sliwa stated that the group will increase its numbers and presence to combat the rising crime, mirroring their efforts from 1979. He cited “hundreds of citizens” requesting their return after the recent tragedy.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/founder-leader-volunteer-citizens-patrol-95968390.jpg?w=1024" alt="Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, talking and giving water to homeless people at the Coney Island subway station">

New Patrol Strategy

The Guardian Angels' new strategy involves:

• Conducting wellness checks on homeless and emotionally disturbed individuals.
• Providing water to homeless individuals.
• Reporting any issues to the NYPD.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/coney-subway-060.jpg?w=1024" alt="Subway surveillance images show a suspect wanted for a homicide on the subway in Coney Island."><img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/Subway_Burning_06038-a38ac.jpg?w=1024" alt="Sebastian Zapeta, the man accused of burning a woman alive on the F train.">

The 150 current NYC members will begin patrols at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, where the arson occurred. The victim, still unidentified, was set ablaze while sleeping on an F train.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/founder-leader-volunteer-citizens-patrol-95967433.jpg?w=1024" alt="Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, giving water to homeless people at Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue subway station, Brooklyn">

Controversy and Response

While Sliwa hopes the Guardian Angels' presence will deter crime and encourage bystander intervention, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams criticized the effort as “meaningless stunts,” emphasizing the administration's focus on “real solutions,” including deploying 1,000 police officers daily to the subways.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/12-29-24-curtis-sliwa-95969359.jpg?w=1024" alt="Guardian Angels exit subway train"><img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/12-29-24-curtis-sliwa-95968682.jpg?w=1024" alt="Guardian Angels stand on subway platform">

Sliwa, however, maintains the severity of the situation, stating that he's "never seen it this bad." Despite past criticisms of embellishing encounters, the Guardian Angels remain a recognizable and generally well-received presence in NYC.