NEW YORK CITY, NY – A subway performer in New York City recently endured an unprovoked attack while playing his electric cello at a subway station. Iain S. Forrest, who goes by the stage name Eyeglasses, was struck from behind in the head by a woman, as shown in footage he shared of the incident. This marks the second attack Forrest has experienced in less than a year while performing for New Yorkers in subway stations.
The attack occurred at the 34th Street Herald Square subway station at 5:50pm on Tuesday, February 13. In the video shared by Forrest, the woman can be seen picking up his metal bottle and using it to hit him in the head. In a social media post following the incident, Forrest expressed his doubt about being able to continue performing in the subway, considering the recurring attacks.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is currently searching for the woman, who was described as wearing a mustard-colored jacket, black beanie, and red scarf at the time of the attack. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Subway performers are a common sight in New York City, adding to the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of the city. However, this incident sheds light on the potential risks and dangers that these performers face while entertaining commuters. The attack on Forrest raises concerns about the safety of artists and musicians in public spaces, prompting discussions about the need for increased security measures and protection for performers in the city’s subway system.
In response to the incident, some members of the public have voiced their support for Forrest and other subway performers, condemning the attack and calling for the responsible individual to be held accountable. The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of respecting and ensuring the safety of those who contribute to the cultural richness of New York City’s public spaces, such as subway performers.
The incident also highlights the need for awareness and vigilance among commuters, as well as the importance of bystander intervention in preventing similar acts of violence in the future. As authorities continue their search for the woman responsible for the attack, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by subway performers and the broader issue of safety in public urban spaces.