The Guardian Angels, the renowned group founded in 1979 by Curtis Sliwa, will return to patrolling New York’s subways. Following a heinous crime in which a woman was set on fire while sleeping on an F-line train, the volunteers announced their comeback with the same determination that marked their early years.
Sliwa stated that the organization, which boasted over 1,000 members in the 1980s, plans to bolster its ranks and increase its presence on the trains. He emphasized that the subways are now “out of control” and highlighted the team’s goal to ensure greater safety through regular patrols and targeted interventions.
Speaking at a press conference at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station, where the recent crime occurred, Sliwa explained that their presence would act as a “visible deterrent against crime.”
Inactive since 2020, the Guardian Angels’ mission will extend beyond simply monitoring subway cars. Their plan includes conducting welfare checks for homeless individuals and those in distress, providing water and support, and reporting any issues to the police. Sliwa underscored the belief that visible, human intervention can make a difference, particularly when many citizens feel there is a lack of active law enforcement.
Currently consisting of 150 members, the group hopes their renewed presence will encourage New Yorkers to avoid being passive witnesses to crime. Sliwa pointed out that last week’s murder exemplifies the consequences of inaction.
Despite gaining support from many, the Guardian Angels’ return has not been universally welcomed. A representative for Mayor Eric Adams dismissed Sliwa’s actions as “senseless stunts” and highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to increase police presence in the city.
Born in the Bronx during a period of significant social and economic decline, the Guardian Angels have always operated unarmed, relying on self-defense techniques and a strong presence in troubled areas to discourage criminal activity.
