Adams links Brooklyn subway shooting to city’s mental health crisis

Following a shooting incident on a subway train in Brooklyn, Mayor Eric Adams connected the event to the ongoing mental health crisis in the city. The shooting occurred at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets station, where a 36-year-old man was critically injured after a dispute with a 32-year-old individual. The exact circumstances leading to the shooting have not been disclosed by the police, who arrested the 32-year-old suspect before he left the platform.

During an appearance on “Mornings On 1,” Mayor Adams highlighted the possible involvement of a person with severe mental health issues in the violent encounter. He emphasized the need to address mental health challenges in the city, stating that the investigation into the incident would provide more clarity on the situation. The mayor stressed the importance of looking beyond just the police response to public safety issues and addressing the broader connections, including efforts in Albany to handle individuals with severe mental health conditions through involuntary removals.

Mayor Adams initially proposed a plan in November 2022 to involuntarily hospitalize individuals displaying severe mental health issues and struggling to meet their basic needs. A year later, in November, he expressed that the plan was showing progress, with 54 people from the city’s list of 100 individuals benefiting from the initiative. The mayor’s continued focus on addressing mental health challenges underscores the complex issues at play in ensuring public safety and supporting individuals in need of mental health services.