New York City has often been depicted as a hotbed of crime, but recent data suggests a more nuanced reality. With Governor Kathy Hochul’s deployment of National Guard members into the subway system, questions arise about the actual level of danger in the city.

While it’s true that certain high-profile incidents have sparked concerns, statistics paint a different picture. According to police data, major crime in the transit system has increased by 13 percent since the beginning of the year. However, the overall crime rate in New York fell last year, and the rate of violent crime in the subway system remains remarkably low, with approximately one incident per million rides.

Critics, particularly those in right-wing politics, often portray New York City as a crime-ridden metropolis. Former President Donald Trump, for instance, used such rhetoric to deflect attention from his legal issues. However, evaluating a city’s performance in fighting crime requires a more nuanced approach.

One significant aspect to consider is gun violence. A recent study by Rayan Succar and Maurizio Porfiri from New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering sheds light on this issue. Their research indicates that New York City is outperforming other major cities when it comes to gun homicides.

This finding challenges the notion of New York as a crime-ridden hellhole and suggests that the city’s efforts to combat gun violence may be paying off. While concerns about public safety are valid, it’s essential to base decisions on accurate data rather than sensationalized narratives.

In light of these findings, it’s clear that New York City’s crime situation is more complex than meets the eye. As policymakers continue to address public safety concerns, a balanced approach that considers both perception and reality is crucial.