NEW YORK, NY — The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted in connection with an unprovoked assault on a 76-year-old woman at the 51st Street subway station in Manhattan on Sunday afternoon.
At approximately 2:35 p.m., the victim was standing on the southbound “6” train platform when an unidentified male approached her and punched her in the head, police said. The impact caused the woman to fall to the ground.
The assailant fled the station on foot in an unknown direction. Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she is reported to be in stable condition.
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspect and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about subway safety and unprovoked attacks on transit riders in New York City.
Governor Kathy Hochul has been vocal about her efforts to ensure the safety of New York City’s subway system.
In March 2024, she announced a five-point plan to enhance subway safety, which included deploying 750 National Guard members and 250 state and MTA police officers to conduct bag checks and increase the overall presence of law enforcement in the subway system. Hochul emphasized the psychological impact of these measures, aiming to reassure riders and deter potential criminals by providing a visible security presence.
She has repeatedly claimed that crime rates in the subway have decreased since these interventions, with statistics showing a 10% drop in subway crime since the deployment of the National Guard. Hochul has also pointed to the installation of security cameras in every subway car as a significant step towards making riders feel safer.
Despite these efforts, Hochul’s claims have faced scrutiny, particularly in light of high-profile crime incidents. For example, her statement on Sunday about the subway’s improved safety was met with criticism following a horrific incident where a woman was set on fire on a subway train the same day.
Critics, including former officials and social media users, accused her of being out of touch with the ground reality, highlighting the contrast between her safety assertions and the violent events occurring in the subway.
Hochul has maintained that while any crime is one too many, the overall trend shows improvement, with subway ridership increasing alongside these safety enhancements. However, this narrative has been challenged by those who argue that focusing on perception might not address the root causes of subway crime