A shocking video circulating on social media shows a homeless man brandishing a kitchen knife on a New York City subway, attempting to attack a fellow rider who was trying to de-escalate the situation. The incident, which occurred in a cramped subway bus, has reignited concerns over public safety and the complex relationship between homelessness and crime in urban areas.

While homelessness is a deeply rooted societal issue tied to economic inequality, mental health struggles, and lack of affordable housing, its intersection with public safety poses significant challenges for New York City. Incidents like this raise critical questions: How do we address homelessness without compromising public safety? And what systemic changes are needed to prevent such confrontations from recurring?

New York City has one of the largest homeless populations in the United States. According to the Coalition for the Homeless, over 70,000 people, including families and children, reside in shelters, while thousands more sleep on the streets or in subways. Many of these individuals face severe mental health issues or substance abuse disorders, exacerbating their vulnerability and, at times, creating volatile situations.

The subway system has become a refuge for some homeless individuals, particularly during extreme weather conditions. However, this creates a delicate balance between providing compassion and ensuring the safety of millions of daily commuters. The incident in the viral video underscores the potential dangers when mental health issues go untreated, and individuals are left without support.

Watch the video here.

While not all homeless individuals pose a threat, studies suggest a correlation between homelessness and violent incidents in urban settings. For example, a 2023 report by the NYPD highlighted a 32% increase in subway crimes involving individuals experiencing homelessness. Mental health crises, often exacerbated by a lack of access to care, are frequently at the heart of these confrontations.

In the viral video, the man with the knife appeared erratic and unprovoked, a common characteristic of individuals suffering from untreated mental health disorders. Such incidents create fear among commuters, discouraging them from using public transport and damaging the city’s image as a safe and welcoming urban hub.

The escalation of violence involving homeless individuals points to systemic policy failures. New York City has implemented several initiatives, such as Mayor Eric Adams’ 2022 subway safety plan, which aimed to increase law enforcement presence and connect homeless individuals with shelters and mental health services. However, critics argue these measures often criminalize homelessness without addressing its root causes.

Despite the city’s significant investment in shelters, many homeless individuals avoid these facilities due to concerns about safety, overcrowding, or restrictive rules. The lack of affordable housing, coupled with insufficient mental health resources, perpetuates a cycle of instability that spills over into public spaces like subways and parks.

Addressing homelessness in NYC requires a dual approach that combines compassion with accountability. Programs focusing on permanent supportive housing have proven effective in reducing chronic homelessness. For instance, a 2019 study published in The Lancet found that supportive housing programs decreased emergency room visits and incarceration rates among participants.

Simultaneously, investments in mental health care and substance abuse treatment are crucial. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent pledge to allocate $1 billion to mental health services is a step in the right direction but must be complemented by localized initiatives tailored to the unique challenges of New York City.

Public safety cannot be ignored. Expanding community policing efforts that focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention can help prevent violent incidents like the one in the viral video. Additionally, better training for transit workers and commuters on how to handle such situations can mitigate risks and foster a safer environment.

The viral video of a homeless man wielding a knife on a NYC subway is more than just a snapshot of urban chaos; it is a reflection of systemic issues that demand urgent attention. Homelessness is not inherently a crime, but when combined with untreated mental health issues and inadequate support systems, it can pose a threat to public safety.

New York City must adopt a balanced strategy that prioritizes both compassion for its most vulnerable residents and the safety of its citizens. Only then can the city hope to create a safer, more inclusive environment where all individuals—housed or homeless—can coexist peacefully.