Eric, Do Something…

Mayor Eric Adams came into his position with the promise that he would fix the big crime problem in the city. The fact that he campaigned on this point as one of his main objectives means his job as Mayor of New York City will be largely judged on that. Adams has been at the helm for five months but in that period, almost half a year, crime has become worse. The crime has been relentless and encompassed all spheres of New York City life. Shootings have taken place on an almost daily basis, affecting all citizens, from NYPD officers to innocent civilians and school children. The subway has become very unsafe, with the typical New Yorker who uses the train as a mode of transport being too afraid to even board. 

Violent crime has become so normal that citizens are living on the edge, fearing what could happen to them. In times of crisis when the average citizen walking the streets feels helpless, it is up to the leader of the city to do something. At this moment in time, New Yorkers are looking at Mayor Adams to implement effective solutions that will reduce crime and help New Yorkers feel safe. 

The death of Daniel Enriquez is probably one of the most unfortunate examples to use regarding crime in the city. Enriquez was a researcher for Goldman Sachs. He was on his way to having Sunday brunch when he was randomly shot on the Q Train by gunman Andrew Abdullah. Enriquez had decided to avoid taking an Uber, which was his usual mode of transportation, and use what he saw as a cheaper alternative option.  

“My brother wasn’t afraid to live in New York City and this is how he died, so I believe in the city I believe that there will be change because of him,” Daniel Enriquez’s sister Griselda Vile said. According to reports, Enriquez was the 4th person to fall victim to a homicide on the subway this year.  

Shootings have been a major problem in the city. The year, as well as Adams’ tenure, started with two NYPD police officers being killed by gunfire. The shootings have not subsided, with one taking place every other day. A mass shooting took place on the subway, leaving 10 people injured in an incident that was described as a miracle because there were no fatal casualties. 

School children have fallen victim as well. Children are being shot at while walking home from school or innocently walking the streets of New York. Most recently Kyhara Tay was shot by stray gunfire. These incidents are taking place because people are running around the city, firing guns, and barely facing the consequences for it. 

The violence is not specific to any weapon. Stabbings have also taken place more often. On the many occasions in which stabbings have taken place, they have been either targeted or, even more concerningly, random.

The subway has been a problematic area for citizens as well as the mayor. The subway is a normal part of life for many New Yorkers but it has become a dangerous place in the post-pandemic world. All sorts of crimes have taken place in the subways including shootings and stabbings. Lives have been lost, making the train an unsafe mode of travel. MTA CEO Janno Lieber has expressed his concern for the citizens who ride the train, including his children. 

“The train involved in this shooting, the Q, is one I’ve ridden for 25 years. It’s a train that my kids use regularly and frequently. They’re all in college now, but they come home at midnight, 1 a.m., coming back from Manhattan. It’s always felt safe,” Lieber said, referring to the death of Daniel Enriquez. “For so many New Yorkers the transit system is the only way to get around and to live their normal lives. You can’t do that if you’re scared to get up and go to brunch, that most New York of activities, on a Sunday morning for fear of being attacked.” 

The subway employees have shown concern as well. They feel as if they are not in the best working environment. “It’s been horrible for the last 12 months. I’m personally way more on edge than I used to be,” a train operator who spoke on the condition of anonymity said. “I’ve had two people unsuccessfully try to kill themselves this year. Never had a single person like that in the last three years and had two in like a month. Countless homeless people and vagrants [are] just like not where they are supposed to be on catwalks and stuff. Even if they aren’t in danger, it scares the s–t out of you and you gotta stop [the train] and it’s a whole thing,” the worker continued. 

Adams was elected with the support of businesses, but that support has seemingly worn off.  “Adams needs to stop traveling, stop bulls–tting everybody, and stop going to hot clubs and focus on crime,” a CEO of a prominent NYC company said. Adams is a charismatic leader and has been known to participate in social events but people in some quarters feel as though he should focus more on fixing things before he indulges in the more exciting side of life as mayor. 

The murder of a researcher for Goldman Sachs shows that crime in New York City does not discriminate. Rich or poor – no one is safe.