
Janno Lieber, CEO of New York’s MTA, is facing backlash after dismissing subway riders’ fears of violent crime during a Bloomberg interview Monday. Lieber claimed that concerns about safety on the subway are “in people’s heads,” despite a 65% increase in felony assaults on mass transit since 2019.
Lieber’s comments come in the wake of several high-profile subway crimes, including the burning death of Debrina Kawam, pushed under a train by an attacker. These incidents have heightened public fears, especially as more commuters rely on the subway due to the city’s congestion tax.
People are burnt alive on the subway.@MTA thinks it's in people's heads. https://t.co/a1Ytrht4YV
— Ginny Fidler 💋 (@KathyMschotschi) January 6, 2025
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who deployed National Guard troops in March 2024, also faces criticism. Her reassurances about subway safety were quickly overshadowed by Kawam’s murder, which occurred hours after her post celebrating the deployment.
It’s disturbing that the corrupt MTA Chairman, who’s paid $400k a year and NEVER uses the subway, has the audacity to claim subway crime is “in our heads.” He should resign immediately. He is dangerously out of touch and has only made the system more expensive for working people… https://t.co/Q2t8tDSna0
— Curtis Sliwa (@CurtisSliwa) January 6, 2025
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa called Lieber’s remarks “gaslighting” and announced expanded patrols to address the rising violence. “The need is here now once again,” Sliwa said, referencing the group’s original efforts during New York’s crime wave in the late 1970s.
MTA BOARD MEMBER SUGGESTS YOU SHOULD HUG A COLUMN IN THE SUBWAY TO AVOID GETTING SHOVED IN FRONT OF A TRAIN BY A DERANGED LUNATIC THE MTA WILL NOT REMOVE FROM THE SYSTEM
She said it’s important to be mindful of what’s going on around you, especially on a narrow platform. While… pic.twitter.com/zUs0s8sDsO
— Reza Chowdhury (@RezaC1) January 6, 2025
GASLIGHT! Weeks After Woman Was Set on Fire in Subway, New York MTA CEO Says Crime Is in People's Heads https://t.co/3J3Ex2vSF2
— Carol RN *Miss Rush & the Gipper* 👩⚕️🇺🇸 🇮🇱🦈 (@pasqueflower19) January 7, 2025
Many subway riders remain skeptical of official reassurances. One commuter stated, “How can they say this is all in our heads when people are dying on the subway every week?”
Y do so many lifelong NYorkers refuse 2 ride subway now? Outrage as NY subway boss says fear of crime on transport network is 'in people's heads'. https://t.co/OtVeKUVvAm
— willwinforever (@willwinforever) January 6, 2025
As public outrage grows, New York officials face mounting pressure to take stronger measures against rising subway violence.
The absolute galling audacity spewed today by @MTA Chair&CEO Janno Lieber that subway crime is “in people’s heads”.. is he for real? Last week, multiple stabbing & a woman was set on fire! When was the last time this pompous a$$ rode public transportation! HE MUST STEP DOWN! pic.twitter.com/ZujsIPY0id
— Concetta🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@concetta8631) January 6, 2025
Don't worry, the mta wants you on the subways even more now with congestion pricing.
Have fun you suckers! Buy a gun! https://t.co/SIR5ZovBkh— Just Some Guy (@JohnyTwoTimes13) January 3, 2025