The Guardian Angels, a volunteer group formed in the 1970s to combat crime in New York City, announced their return to patrolling the city’s subway system. Founder Curtis Sliwa said the group’s renewed effort comes in response to the gruesome arson murder of a sleeping passenger on an F train last week. The group, which once symbolized citizen-driven efforts to curb rampant crime, now seeks to address the ongoing safety concerns of modern-day subway riders.
“Our presence is needed now more than ever,” Sliwa said Sunday at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, where the crime occurred. “We’ve come full circle. It’s like 1979 all over again.”
Expanding the Guardian Angels’ presence
Sliwa revealed plans to expand the group’s membership to its heyday levels when thousands of volunteers regularly patrolled subway trains and stations. Starting with their current 150 New York City members, the Angels aim to grow their ranks to increase safety for subway riders. Sliwa emphasized the need for a “visual presence” across the transit system, comparing it to the group’s operations during the late 20th century.
“We’re going to train more volunteers and make sure we’re walking every subway car, from front to back,” Sliwa said. “It’s about being proactive and not just standing by.”
Focus on wellness checks and assistance
This time, the group is also adopting a more holistic approach. In addition to providing security, the Guardian Angels plan to conduct wellness checks on homeless individuals and those suffering from mental health issues. They will distribute water and report concerning incidents to the NYPD. Sliwa said the group’s renewed efforts aim to bridge gaps in the city’s current response to the mental health crisis affecting subway riders.
“Our mission isn’t just to stop crime—it’s to help people who are struggling and prevent tragedies before they happen,” Sliwa added.
A heinous crime that reignited concerns
The decision to resume subway patrols came after the shocking death of an unidentified woman, who was set on fire while sleeping on a train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The alleged perpetrator, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala named Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, was arrested shortly after the incident. Authorities said the attack appeared to be completely unprovoked, raising alarm about the safety of subway passengers.
“This tragic murder was a wake-up call,” Sliwa said. “People are scared, and they’re calling on us to step in. We’re here to answer that call.”
Encouraging bystander intervention
Sliwa also called on subway riders to take a more active role in preventing crime. He lamented what he described as a culture of apathy, pointing to last week’s crime as an example of people failing to intervene or assist law enforcement.
“We need to stop being bystanders,” Sliwa said. “If you see something, say something—and do something. Don’t let fear paralyze you.”
Criticism of police presence in the subways
The Guardian Angels’ return also highlights ongoing criticism of police patrols in the subway system. Sliwa claimed that a lack of active NYPD officers on subway cars has left many riders feeling unprotected. “The subways are out of control,” Sliwa said. “We’ve been here before, and we know what needs to be done.”
However, City Hall defended its efforts, pointing to Mayor Eric Adams’ recent initiatives to improve subway safety. According to City Hall representative Kayla Mamalek, the mayor has deployed an additional 1,000 police officers to patrol the subways daily. Mamalek dismissed Sliwa’s efforts as “meaningless stunts” and emphasized the administration’s focus on “real solutions.”
History of the Guardian Angels
The Guardian Angels were founded in 1979 when Curtis Sliwa, then a night manager at a McDonald’s in The Bronx, grew frustrated with the rampant crime on New York City’s subways. Starting with just 13 volunteers, the group quickly gained popularity, expanding to thousands of members at its peak and establishing chapters worldwide. Known for their signature red berets and bomber jackets, the Angels became a symbol of grassroots action against crime.
While the group’s prominence has waned in recent years, Sliwa has continued to keep the Guardian Angels in the public eye, often appearing after high-profile crimes to advocate for safety and vigilance. Recent efforts have included patrols following attacks on Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and promises to protect vulnerable business owners, such as the elderly proprietor of Ray’s Candy Store in Manhattan after a brutal attack outside his shop.
A renewed mission for the modern era
As the Guardian Angels prepare to resume their subway patrols, Sliwa said the group’s mission remains the same: to provide safety and security where it’s most needed. However, he acknowledged the challenges of operating in a modern era marked by a larger homeless population, increased mental health crises, and changing public attitudes toward vigilante-style interventions.
“This isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about adapting to the needs of today,” Sliwa said. “We’re stepping up because someone has to.”
Looking ahead
The group’s first patrols will focus on the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station, where last week’s arson attack took place, before expanding to other parts of the subway system. Sliwa said he hopes the Angels’ presence will inspire subway riders to feel safer and take more responsibility for their community.
“New Yorkers deserve to ride the subway without fear,” Sliwa said. “And we’re going to do everything we can to make that happen.”
