New York City – Two subway riders were assaulted in separate incidents on Tuesday, marking the latest in a series of violent attacks in the Big Apple’s subway stations. The first assault occurred at the Grand Avenue-Newtown station in Queens, where a 34-year-old man was struck over the head with a metal object in an unprovoked attack around 12:50 p.m. The victim, who was on the stairs leaving the station, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Queens Hospital Center for treatment. The assailant fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.
In a separate incident later in the day, a 61-year-old man was attacked with an umbrella at the 86th Street station on the Upper East Side. The victim, identified as David Beaglehole, recounted how the suspect jabbed him in the hand with the umbrella after an exchange of words. Despite Beaglehole’s attempts to take a photo of the suspect, the assailant managed to escape and remains at large.
These assaults come amidst a spike in subway crime, with incidents increasing by nearly 20% compared to the same time last year, according to NYPD data. Concerns over subway safety have prompted Mayor Eric Adams to address the issue by increasing police presence and implementing additional security measures, including bag checks. Governor Kathy Hochul is also expected to announce new legislation aimed at enhancing subway security following recent violent incidents.
The rise in subway violence has left commuters feeling uneasy, with one rider expressing a newfound fear of traveling on the subway. The surge in assaults, including a recent incident where a 64-year-old rider was kicked onto the roadbed at Penn Station, has raised alarm about the safety of public transportation in the city. With multiple fatal subway shootings and random attacks reported in 2024, concerns about passenger safety remain a top priority for city officials.
As authorities work to address the escalating issue of subway violence, commuters are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The safety and security of passengers navigating the city’s subway system continue to be a pressing concern as efforts to combat crime in public transportation are intensified.