Bronx Security Guard Fatally Shot On NYC Subway

A 26-year-old security guard was shot dead on a New York City subway platform over the weekend. Darell Rodriguez was heading home from work when a stranger approached him and fired. He died at a local hospital just after 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The killer is still at large.

Police say the shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. at the 53rd Street and 7th Avenue station in Midtown. A northbound E train bound for his Bronx residence was awaited by Rodriguez. According to the New York Post, the suspect displayed a gun and shot him once during a dispute.

The Killer Escaped

Authorities describe the shooter as a man in a red tracksuit and black vest. He wore a face mask and carried a backpack. He left the station traveling north on 7th Avenue. NYPD Deputy Chief Keith Shine said details about the dispute remain unclear. Police emphasize that this was a targeted attack.

This incident marks the seventh murder in the city’s transit system this year. It is also the fourth gun death. That number is up from just two deaths during the same period in 2025. New York Post reports these figures come directly from NYPD statistics.

Tourists Scramble

The violence has shaken visitors who planned to use the trains. Gisela Medone, 44, was in town from Miami with her mother and sister. Reporters were told by her that the subway represented New York’s cool aspect. Now, her family plans to avoid the rails.

“Part of the New York experience is taking the subway, and we were looking forward to that,” she said. “Now we’re going to have to take Ubers everywhere.” Her mother, Graciela Medone, noted the cost will hurt their trip budget. They may have to buy fewer souvenirs or skip meals.

Local Views on Safety

Not everyone sees this as a new problem. On Sunday, a private security guard known as Merrill boarded a train at the station. He shrugged and told reporters, “I’m not seeing anything new.” He added that the crimes resemble gang violence and noted stabbings are usually homeless stuff.

Chalrton D’Souza, founder of the group Passengers United, pointed to long-standing issues at the station. When talking to the New York Post, he said open drug use is occurring at this station. He also cited people injecting needles and selling drugs. D’Souza asked where Gov. Kathy Hochul and the mayor were. He noted the mayor did not even issue a statement about the killing.

Police are looking for anyone who might have seen the suspect. Officials indicate that the public currently faces no additional threat. Rodriguez’s death stands as the seventh transit killing this year.