New York City Mayor Adams announced the launch of a pilot program to install gun detection devices at the Fulton St Station in downtown Manhattan on July 26th.
At 4 p.m. on the same day, Adams held a press conference at Fulton St Station to announce the start of the pilot program to install artificial intelligence gun detection devices manufactured by Evolv Technology, lasting for one month. During the one-month trial period, these gun detection devices will be randomly and flexibly installed in subway stations throughout the city to conduct inspections on passengers, with approximately every 15 or 20 passengers being checked by the detectors. Adams stated that this new technology will make the subway system safer and mentioned that the pilot program will not cost the city any money. Additionally, the use of Evolv Technology’s detectors is not exclusive, as other companies are welcome to join the competition.
The New York Post interviewed several passengers who entered and exited the Fulton St Station on that day, with many expressing welcome for the installation of the detectors. They believed that the subway has experienced numerous violent incidents and thus requires this safety measure. However, the public also raised concerns about the potential increase in time spent entering and exiting the subway stations, impacting their daily commutes. Meanwhile, civil rights activists questioned the project’s privacy infringement risks. According to Fox News, the Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) have indicated that if this project is fully implemented, they will file lawsuits against Adams and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).