Curtis Sliwa, a prominent anti-crime advocate, media personality, and political figure, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. He is widely recognized as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to crime prevention. Established initially to address escalating crime on the New York City Subway in the late 1970s, the group has since grown internationally, with chapters in over 130 cities. Sliwa’s endeavors also include a career in radio broadcasting and politics, where he notably ran for mayor of New York City in 2021.
Who is Curtis Sliwa?
Curtis Sliwa is a prominent American anti-crime activist, media personality, and politician, best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit organization focused on unarmed crime prevention. Established in 1979 during a time of high crime in New York City, the group began as a subway patrol initiative and expanded globally to over 130 cities. Known for their distinctive red berets and uniforms, the Guardian Angels promote community safety and citizen involvement in reducing crime.
Sliwa has also had a long career in radio broadcasting, hosting numerous programs, including Curtis and Kuby in the Morning on WABC-AM, where he became a well-known conservative voice.
In addition to his activism and media presence, Sliwa ventured into politics. In 2021, he ran as the Republican nominee in the New York City mayoral election but lost to Eric Adams. Despite controversies in his career, including staged events and a 1992 assassination attempt linked to organized crime, Sliwa remains a vocal and recognizable figure in New York City.
Curtis Sliwa Net Worth
Curtis Sliwa, born on March 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American activist, radio talk show host, and founder of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit crime prevention organization. He has also been involved in politics, notably running for the 2021 New York City mayoral election as the Republican nominee.
As of 2024, Curtis Sliwa’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. This wealth is primarily derived from his career in radio broadcasting, where he has been a prominent figure for several decades. Additionally, his work with the Guardian Angels and his involvement in various media and public speaking engagements have contributed to his financial standing.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Curtis Sliwa was raised in a Catholic family of Polish and Italian heritage. He attended Brooklyn Prep, a Jesuit high school, but was later expelled and graduated from Canarsie High School. During his teenage years, Sliwa worked as a newspaper delivery boy for the Daily News. His courage and quick thinking were demonstrated early on when he saved several people from a burning building, an act that earned him an invitation to the White House.
Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Curtis Sliwa |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York City, USA |
| Ethnicity | Polish and Italian heritage |
| Profession | Anti-crime activist, media personality, politician |
| Known For | Founder of the Guardian Angels |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Education | – Brooklyn Prep (Jesuit High School, expelled) |
| – Graduated from Canarsie High School | |
| Career Highlights | – Founded the Guardian Angels in 1979 to combat subway crime in NYC |
| – Expanded the organization to over 130 cities globally | |
| – Hosted multiple radio programs, including Curtis and Kuby in the Morning on WABC-AM | |
| – Ran for New York City mayor in 2021 as the Republican nominee | |
| Political Affiliation | Republican (formerly associated with the Reform Party of New York State) |
| Significant Events | – Survived a 1992 assassination attempt linked to mobsters |
Career Beginnings
Curtis Sliwa began his professional journey with humble roots, working as a night manager at a McDonald’s restaurant in the Bronx. During this time, he was responsible for overseeing operations, managing employees, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment. It was here that Sliwa developed key leadership skills, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility—traits that would later prove instrumental in his future endeavors.
While working at McDonald’s, Sliwa was deeply affected by the rampant crime and violence plaguing New York City in the 1970s, particularly in areas like the Bronx, which were struggling with poverty and lawlessness. The dangerous commute and high crime rates he encountered firsthand inspired him to take action.
Determined to make a difference, Sliwa began organizing his coworkers and community members to address the safety concerns of their neighborhoods. He founded a small group initially called the Magnificent 13, composed of volunteers committed to patrolling the New York City subway system, which had become a hotspot for crime.
This grassroots initiative quickly gained momentum, as Sliwa’s leadership and vision turned the group into a formal organization. Renamed the Guardian Angels, the group set out with a mission to protect communities through unarmed crime prevention. Their efforts focused on creating a visible presence on the subways to deter criminal activity while training volunteers in self-defense and citizens’ arrest protocols.
Sliwa’s early efforts to combat crime—rooted in his own experiences and frustrations with the city’s deteriorating safety—marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong commitment to public service and community safety. This period laid the foundation for his rise as a notable anti-crime activist and a public figure in New York City and beyond.
The Guardian Angels
In response to a crime surge in New York City during the late 1970s, Sliwa created a civilian patrol group initially called the Magnificent 13. Renamed the Guardian Angels, the group aimed to promote safety on the city’s subway system through unarmed crime prevention. Members were trained in martial arts and instructed on how to perform citizens’ arrests within legal guidelines. The organization’s signature red berets and uniforms became iconic symbols of its mission.
Although praised by some for its community impact, the group also faced significant criticism and controversy. Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch initially opposed the Guardian Angels but later acknowledged their value, while others accused the group of staging events for publicity. Sliwa himself admitted to fabricating some incidents, including subway rescues, and falsely claimed he was abducted by transit police. Despite these challenges, the Guardian Angels expanded globally, maintaining their commitment to community safety.
Radio Career
Sliwa began his radio journey in 1990 with WABC-AM in New York City, later transitioning to WNYC. Returning to WABC in 1996, he became a well-known conservative radio personality, co-hosting popular programs such as Curtis and Kuby in the Morning alongside attorney Ron Kuby. Over the years, he hosted several shows, including Curtis Sliwa LIVE and dual morning and evening programs on WNYM-AM.
Political Career
Sliwa’s political ambitions gained traction in 2016 when he orchestrated a takeover of the Reform Party of New York State. While the party ultimately lost its ballot access, Sliwa continued his political journey by joining the Republican Party. In 2021, he ran for New York City mayor, winning the Republican nomination but losing to Democratic candidate Eric Adams in the general election.
Assassination Attempt
In 1992, Sliwa survived a violent kidnapping and shooting. While entering a taxi near his Manhattan home, he was ambushed, shot multiple times, and managed to escape by jumping out of the moving vehicle. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by mobster John A. Gotti, though legal attempts to prosecute him were unsuccessful.
Personal Life
Sliwa has been married three times. His first marriage to Lisa Evers, a fellow Guardian Angels leader, ended in 1995. He later married Mary Galda, with whom he has a son named Anthony, though the couple divorced in 2012. In 2018, Sliwa married attorney Nancy Regula. The couple resides on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, sharing their home with numerous rescue cats, a reflection of their shared passion for animal welfare.
FAQs
Q: Who is Curtis Sliwa?
A: Curtis Sliwa is an American anti-crime activist, founder of the Guardian Angels, and a media personality. He is also known for his run for New York City mayor in 2021.
Q: What are the Guardian Angels?
A: The Guardian Angels is a nonprofit organization founded by Curtis Sliwa in 1979 to help prevent crime, initially on New York City’s subway system. It has since expanded to over 130 cities worldwide.
Q: What happened to Curtis Sliwa in 1992?
A: In 1992, Curtis Sliwa was the victim of a kidnapping and shooting, allegedly orchestrated by mobster John Gotti. Sliwa survived the attack and later became a symbol of resilience.
Q: What is Curtis Sliwa net worth?
A: Curtis Sliwa net worth is estimated at $500,000.
Conclusion
Curtis Sliwa’s journey from a McDonald’s manager to a well-known anti-crime activist and media figure highlights his deep commitment to improving community safety. Through the Guardian Angels, his influence has reached global proportions. Despite controversies and challenges, Sliwa’s efforts continue to shape discussions about crime prevention and public service, making him an enduring figure in New York City’s history.
Keep in touch and receive alerts for real-time updates. Tech Pro Billion
