The Guardian Angels, a volunteer vigilante group, has resumed subway patrols in New York City after the horrifying murder of a woman on an F train. The victim, who was sleeping, was doused with accelerant and set on fire at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on December 23. The suspect, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, was later arrested and charged with murder. Authorities stated the attack appeared unprovoked.
Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa announced the group’s return to subway patrols for the first time since 2020, emphasizing the need to address rising subway crime. The Angels, recognizable by their red berets, will conduct safety checks, assist the homeless, and report issues to the NYPD. Sliwa called for a more active public response to crime, urging New Yorkers to intervene when witnessing criminal acts.
The group’s re-emergence has garnered mixed reactions. While some commuters welcomed the additional safety presence, city officials questioned the practicality of vigilante patrols. Mayor Eric Adams’ office emphasized ongoing efforts to improve subway safety, including deploying 1,000 police officers daily across the transit system.
The Angels, first formed in 1979 to combat subway violence, are now focused on rebuilding their ranks and visibility amid a renewed call for safer public transportation in the city.
