Major Transit Crimes Surge 17% in NYC as First Underground Murder Occurs in 2026

Subway robberies spike 58% and assaults rise 9% as city grapples with transit safety concerns

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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New NYPD data shows major crimes such as murder and rape on New York City's subways and buses have surged 17% so far in 2026, with robbery skyrocketing 58% and assaults spiking 9%. The city recorded its first fatal subway shooting of the year, sparking renewed calls for increased police presence underground.

Why it matters

The spike in transit crimes comes as the city struggles to address issues of homelessness, mental health, and drug use in the subway system. The fatal shooting has heightened fears among riders, with some calling for more aggressive policing to improve safety.

The details

According to NYPD data through February 8th, major crimes in the transit system have increased from 210 incidents in the same period last year to 246 this year, a 17% surge. Robbery cases jumped from 38 to 60, a 58% rise, while assaults climbed from 65 to 71, up 9%. Police are searching for a 27-year-old suspect, Alberto Frias, in connection with the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old man on a Bronx subway platform.

  • So far in 2026, through February 8th
  • The fatal subway shooting occurred on Tuesday

The players

Alberto Frias

A 27-year-old suspect wanted for questioning in the fatal shooting of a man on a Bronx subway platform.

Adrian Dawodu

A 41-year-old man who was fatally shot on a Bronx subway platform after an argument with the gunman.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, which provided the crime data and is investigating the fatal subway shooting.

Mayor Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who has been called on to increase police presence in the subway system.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner, who implemented a strategy to flood trains and platforms with cops, including two officers on every overnight train.

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What they’re saying

“You've got a lot of people walking around here with mental health issues and controlled substances. It's not good because I take the subways a lot.”

— Michael Ford, 74-year-old Manhattan retiree

“It scares my sister really bad. She wants more police on the subway.”

— Blake Hammond, 21-year-old student and cancer researcher at Columbia University

“Bellevue has to come and get their patients.”

— Elizabeth McDermott, 55-year-old grandmother of two

“I'm definitely more vigilant than I've ever been. The politics in New York doesn't help.”

— Kelly Smith, 66-year-old stylist from New Jersey

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Alberto Frias out on bail.

The takeaway

This surge in transit crimes highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing issues like mental health, homelessness, and drug use in the subway system, as well as the need for a balanced approach to improving public safety that considers both increased policing and addressing the root causes of crime.