According to police, two men have been arrested for criminal activity at a Midtown subway station. One man is charged with attempted robbery, while the other is accused of shooting at a potential thief.
Commuters are expressing frustration and fear of becoming crime victims. John Rot, a 43-year-old, claimed that he opened fire inside the subway station in an attempt to stop a mugging. However, some people, like Rocket Clayman, believe that guns are not the solution and advocate for stricter gun control.
On Tuesday night, a panhandler at the West 49th and 7th Avenue subway station threatened to steal a woman’s purse if she did not give him money. Rot, who was carrying a gun, fired warning shots in an effort to prevent the mugging.
While some, like 71-year-old Percy Palmer, understand the intentions behind Rot’s actions, they still believe that it is safer to rely on law enforcement rather than taking matters into one’s own hands. No injuries were reported, and Rot was eventually apprehended on Wednesday. The panhandler was also arrested.
The NYPD and the MTA do not support or condone vigilantism. John Rot has no prior criminal record and was formally charged on Thursday with criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. A bail of $10.
