Crime Spikes on NYC Subways as Mayor Sends Soft-on-Crime Message

Experts warn that the mayor's rhetoric could embolden criminals and reverse hard-won progress on public safety.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York City is seeing an alarming spike in subway crime, with experts warning that the mayor's rhetoric on criminal justice reform is sending a dangerous message to would-be offenders. The review of crime statistics shows a troubling trend, with many criminals likely taking advantage of lax enforcement and the mayor's perceived softness on crime. Analysts caution that the subway spike could be just the first step in a broader turn for the worse if the city doesn't course-correct on its approach to public safety.

Why it matters

The rise in subway crime threatens to undermine the progress New York City has made in recent decades to improve public safety and livability. Experts argue that the perception of crime being tolerated is a major factor, and the mayor's messaging on criminal justice reform is being heard loud and clear by criminals, who may become emboldened to act accordingly. A return to high crime levels would have devastating impacts on the city's economy, quality of life, and reputation.

The details

The review of New York's current crime statistics shows an alarming spike in subway crime. As the city has been enveloped in a deep freeze, many criminals are likely heading underground, where the air is warmer and enforcement has become lax. This trend is particularly concerning given the mayor's recent rhetoric and actions. For example, the mayor visited a man in the hospital who attempted to stab NYPD cops, and called for all charges to be dropped, despite the man's mental illness. Experts argue that this sends a dangerous message that crime will be tolerated, which criminals are likely to respond to accordingly.

  • Crime statistics show the subway crime spike has occurred in recent months as the city has experienced a deep freeze.
  • The mayor's visit to the hospital and call to drop charges against the suspect who attempted to stab police officers occurred last week.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who has taken a softer approach to criminal justice reform that experts warn could embolden criminals and reverse hard-won progress on public safety.

William Bratton

A former New York City police commissioner who, along with former mayor Rudy Giuliani, implemented a tough-on-crime approach in the 1990s that led to a significant drop in crime.

Rudy Giuliani

A former mayor of New York City who, along with police commissioner William Bratton, implemented a tough-on-crime approach in the 1990s that led to a significant drop in crime.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot legally hold private citizens to that standard, but we can legislate criminal-association rules for government employees. And among the wealthy elite, we should shun those who associate with people like Epstein. Send a message with our wallets and public outcry.”

— Paul Mauro, Columnist (substack.com)

“The NYPD has worked for decades to make this a livable city where people are safe and businesses can grow. Mr. Mayor, don't throw that away. At least, any more than it has been already.”

— Paul Mauro, Columnist (substack.com)

What’s next

Experts warn that if the mayor does not course-correct on his approach to criminal justice reform and public safety, the subway crime spike could be just the first step in a broader turn for the worse in New York City. They argue that the mayor must send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated, similar to the approach taken by former mayor Rudy Giuliani and police commissioner William Bratton in the 1990s.

The takeaway

The rise in subway crime in New York City highlights the dangers of a mayor sending a soft-on-crime message, which can embolden criminals and reverse hard-won progress on public safety. Experts caution that the city must act quickly to course-correct and reassert that crime will not be tolerated, in order to prevent a broader deterioration of law and order.