Curtis Sliwa and The Guardian Angels of New York City.

Curtis Sliwa and The Guardian Angels of New York City.

Curtis Sliwa is a well-known activist and media personality best known as the founder of The Guardian Angels, a volunteer-based safety patrol group established in New York City in 1979.

Curtis Sliwa: Key Facts

• Born: March 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, NY

• Career Highlights:

  • Founded the Guardian Angels in 1979 during a period of rising crime and public safety concerns in NYC.

  • Longtime radio talk show host, especially on WABC and other New York stations.

  • Has been a Republican political figure, running for public office several times. Most notably, he ran for Mayor of New York City in 2021 against Eric Adams. He ran on keeping New York City subways and neighborhoods free of violent crime. He is running as a candidate in the 2025 Mayoral Election as a Republican.

The Guardian Angels: Overview

• Founded: February 1979

• Mission: To deter crime and violence through unarmed citizen patrols in subways and neighborhoods.

• Method: Volunteers wear distinctive red berets and white shirts, and they patrol in groups to provide a visual deterrent to crime. Members receive basic training in self-defense and conflict resolution.

• Philosophy: Emphasizes community involvement, non-violent intervention, and public accountability.

• Expansion: Though it started in NYC, the organization has spread to dozens of cities across the U.S. and internationally, including London, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Legacy and Controversy

• Impact: Credited with helping reduce crime in high-crime neighborhoods during the 1980s and 1990s, especially in New York's subways.

Criticism: Initially faced skepticism from police and public officials, who viewed them as vigilantes. Over time, many came to see them as partners in community safety.

• Modern Role: The Guardian Angels remain active today, focusing on urban safety, anti-bullying campaigns, and community engagement.

Conclusion

For over 40 years, the Guardian Angels and their founder, Curtis Sliwa, have protected the streets of New York.