Republican candidate Saritha Komatireddy criticized New York State Attorney General Letitia James on Sunday, attributing a rise in subway crime to James’ approach to law enforcement. The comments came a day after a fatal shooting at the Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street subway station in Midtown Manhattan.

Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor challenging James in the upcoming election, held a press conference at the site of the shooting to denounce what she described as a “soft-on-crime” and anti-police stance by the incumbent Democratic attorney general. She argued that James’ policies have contributed to increased violence in the city’s transit system, despite an overall decline in violent crime across New York City.

“Under Letitia James, felony assaults in the transit systems have gone up 94%,” Komatireddy said, asserting that the number of such crimes has effectively doubled. She accused James of focusing more on investigating police officers who patrol the subways than on targeting violent criminals responsible for the disorder.

The shooting, which local authorities characterized as a targeted incident, occurred just after noon on Saturday. Police have not yet released detailed information about suspects or motives.

Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for James reiterated the attorney general’s efforts to combat crime, emphasizing her office’s role in removing nearly 10,000 illegal firearms from city streets and dismantling gun and drug trafficking operations. The statement framed Komatireddy’s remarks as politically motivated attacks lacking acknowledgment of James’ crime-fighting record.

As the campaign advances, the issue of public safety, particularly within New York’s transit system, is emerging as a focal point between the candidates. Komatireddy’s remarks highlight a broader debate about law enforcement priorities and strategies under James’ tenure, with both sides seeking to appeal to voters concerned about rising violence.