The D.C. Metro police often worry about public safety since many commuters travel every day with limited security. Shootings in Metro stations continue to pop up every so often.
For example, recently, there was a mass shooting at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station which left one dead and three injured. This past September, a shooting even occurred at Union Station, the stop used by many Gonzaga students, and one person was shot in the foot and was transported to the hospital, according to WUSA9.
Many Gonzaga students enter Union Station every day in order to commute to school or to their houses. Despite any fears about crime, some students do not see an uptick at Union Station or on the Metro, in general, changing their commuting habits.
“I would continue to go due to the fact that it’s my only way to get home, but I would find the timings of the train and work with them to limit my time when I was at the station so I could be as safe as possible given the fact that it’s possible for me to only be in the station for less than a minute if I time it correctly,” said Austin Berg, senior.
Other users of the Metro do not think that riding it is worth the risk at all.
“I would probably stop taking the metro to Union Station because it would be a safety hazard. I would try to find a carpool or just drive in by myself and pay the extra money,” said David Damiano, senior.
In addition to using it for daily commutes to school, Gonzaga students often go to Union Station to get food after school before a sports event or even to hang out with friends casually.
“I enjoy the varieties of food at Union,” said Nick Matta, senior.
This past summer, Starbucks closed its location in Union Station due to worries about public safety. If restaurants are closing due to safety concerns, commuters should be concerned as well.
“I would still go to Union Station to get food. I enjoy the food there, and it’s convenient for me,” said Ryan May, senior.
Going to school in Washington, D.C. comes with a lot of risks. Washington, D.C. has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of its size, according to “Neighborhood Scout.” Union Station has large amounts of people in it, and someone is bound to cause trouble every once in a while.
“If you see something, say something. Be alert, not aloof,” said Mr. Anthony Cerra, assistant dean of students.
Mr. Morgan • Feb 8, 2023 at 1:57 pm
Good job Matthew – and both timely/relevant to our community! I especially like some of your student quotes. Beyond shootings – every time I’ve been up there since the pandemic – there have been some individuals with mental illness or on a substance that I’ve seen approaching people who seemed to feel unsafe at the interaction.
The violent crime rate for DC, Chicago, NY, LA, San Francisco – so many major cities has climbed precipitously the last few years.