QUEENS. NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the arraignment of Waheed Foster, 43, on charges related to a September 2022 subway assault. Foster, who is undomiciled, has been deemed fit to stand trial.
The incident occurred on September 20, 2022, around 5:30 a.m. at the Howard Beach/JFK Airport subway station. Elizabeth Gomes, 33, was attacked by Foster as she exited a train. Video surveillance captured Foster following Gomes, striking her with a hard object, and then assaulting her as she attempted to flee.
Gomes was hospitalized and underwent emergency eye surgery, resulting in the loss of sight in her right eye. Foster faces charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Katz emphasized the impact of such random acts of violence on public transit users. Justice Ira Margulis has scheduled Foster’s next court appearance for April 9. Foster could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.