In a shocking incident captured on video, a pack of rats was found cohabitating with a homeless man at a New York City subway station.
The viral footage, posted on Jan. 8 by @six4bk78, showcases a homeless man peacefully sleeping under a gray blanket at the end of a subway platform, with only his shoes visible.
Subway Scene Highlights Dual Crisis
The video begins with the laughter of onlookers as rats scamper away from the man’s makeshift shelter toward the subway tracks.
The person filming approaches the sleeper and calls out, revealing more than a dozen rats scurrying away as the blanket is lifted.
The video, tagged with “Only in New York City Transit” and a rat emoji, has gained over 7 million views on TikTok.
Despite the alarming nature of the scene, the homeless man appears undisturbed by the critters and does not react to their presence.
The footage raises questions about the ongoing challenges faced by the city in addressing both homelessness and the escalating rat crisis.
The video poses the question, “What is being done about the rats and homeless crisis in New York?”
Over the past few years, homelessness in the city has seen a troubling increase, despite efforts by Mayor Eric Adams to combat the issue through police enforcement, sweeps, and outreach programs.
The annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate survey conducted in January 2023 reported 4,042 people sleeping on the streets or in the subways, marking an 18% increase from the previous year’s tally.
Adams, in his bid to tackle the city’s vermin population, appointed Kathleen Corradi as the first “rat czar” at an annual salary of $155,000 in April. However, the city’s rodent complaints have risen by nearly 8% since Adams assumed office.
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New York City Homelessness and Rodent Challenge
City data reveals a surge in rat sightings and vermin-related complaints, with 41,748 instances reported through the 311 hotline in 2023—an increase of 1.5% from the previous year and a significant jump from 2019.
Despite these efforts, Adams appears to be facing challenges in curbing the rat population, posing a unique dilemma for a city grappling with multiple urban issues.
The video serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges New York City faces, from the struggles of the homeless population to the ongoing battle against its notorious rodent residents.
As the city continues its efforts to address these issues, the disturbing scene at the subway station underscores the need for comprehensive and effective solutions to ensure the well-being of all its residents.
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