New Yorkers who have arrived in the two decades since Rudy Giuliani cleaned up the streets take for granted that they can comfortably take a subway late at night. But for how much longer? Public order is eroding as the city’s progressive leaders have slammed the brakes on “broken-windows” policing.
Consider 23-year-old subway saboteur Isaiah Thompson, who was arrested last week—for the 18th time. Mr. Thompson was released without bail after being charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing for riding outside of a subway car. The so-called “subway surfer” has caused hundreds of train delays over the past two years by pulling emergency brakes.
These are not “victimless crimes” like jay-walking. They have wreaked havoc across the city and disrupted life for thousands of New Yorkers. Yet Mr. Thompson keeps being allowed to walk even though he presents a serious threat to the public.
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