New York State Senator Chen Xueli recently introduced legislation proposal S9938, advocating for tougher penalties for crimes committed within the public transportation system in response to the recent surge in subway and bus violence incidents causing public alarm. Yesterday (April 30), he simultaneously released videos in both Chinese and English at the State Capitol in Albany, explaining the background and rationale of the legislation, emphasizing that offenders will be held accountable through stricter legal measures.
In the English video, Chen Xueli stated that violent incidents within the New York public transportation system have significantly increased recently, including instances such as passengers being pushed onto platforms, assaults inside train cars, and attacks on train staff, affecting a range of victims from seniors, children, veterans, to typical commuters. He cited statistics showing a 21% increase in subway robberies and a 60% increase in assaults, questioning the effectiveness of the current system in curbing crime.
“Are you not angry? I am.,” he bluntly stated, pointing out that the root problem lies in the lack of sufficient accountability mechanisms rather than simply “arrest and release.”
He also mentioned his tenure at the New York City Police Department in 1994, where he patrolled the Lower East Side for a decade, actively participating in the security cleanup efforts at that time. Drawing from his experience, he believed that strengthening law enforcement and punishment could effectively reduce crime rates. “We have solved this problem before, and we can do it again now.” He described the current legislation as a “difficult battle,” but emphasized that there would be no retreat.
In the Chinese video, Chen Xueli further pointed out that in recent years, policies have excessively reduced punishments, allowing some criminals to “avoid jail time and escape arrest,” thereby weakening the deterrence power of the law. He expressed that the community feels anger and fear towards this situation, and as an elected official, he has a responsibility to speak up for constituents in the state capital and advocate for change.
According to the contents of the bill, S9938 will “escalate by one level” the punishment for violence, attacks, and dangerous behaviors committed within public transportation facilities and related areas. The bill also introduces the “recklessly jeopardizing the safety of others on public transport vehicles” offense, listed as a Class A-I felony, applicable to actions intentionally shoving, hitting, kicking others, or making physical contact in ways that lead to others falling onto tracks or facing significant risks of being struck by trains. The minimum sentence for a Class A-I felony is set at no less than twenty years.
Furthermore, the bill also revises relevant provisions to include intentional or indifferent-to-life safety homicides occurring within the public transportation system under the category of first-degree murder, further increasing the maximum penalties. Class A-I felonies in New York generally carry a sentence of 15 to 25 years to life; the bill stipulates that specific severe crimes committed within public transport expect a minimum sentence of no less than 20 years, aiming to strengthen deterrence against violent behaviors through increased penalties and clear criminal charges.
The overall legislative rationale is that in urban environments highly reliant on public transportation, enhancing penalties and accountability mechanisms is a crucial step in rebuilding passenger safety and restoring public order.
Chen Xueli highlighted the seriousness of recent cases, including: an fare evader arrested on April 18 implicated in a past verbal abuse incident; a knife attack at Wall Street subway station on April 14; a machete attack on the Central Station platform on April 11; and an incident on March 8 where a suspect with multiple previous convictions pushed an 83-year-old veteran onto the tracks.
“As a former police officer, I understand that stricter laws mean stronger enforcement,” he stated, “those who choose to commit violence against the innocent must understand they will pay the price.” Currently, the bill has garnered support from 11 state senators.