Subway Safety: Reports of Serial Assaults on NYC Subways
Over 4.3 million people ride the subway every day in New York. You never know what to expect when getting on the subway. There are crowds of people waiting on the platform pushing past everyone to get their spot on the next train. It’s the commotion of commuting. Along with the busyness of NYC subway stations, is the increase in safety risks. There have been reports of serial assaults tied to specific subway stops in the city.
In early September, Newsweek reported a “serial puncher,” who resides at the West 4th Street -Washington Square Subway Station. The puncher gained attention from Brooklyn-based Tiktoker Kaelee Boussarie who in true to Gen-Z's nature, posted a video about her experience with the puncher that went viral. She was left with a nose injury and TikTok fame.
Since then, many others have posted about their experiences at the West 4th Street station and the precautions they’re taking to stay safe when riding the subway. Many have shed light on the situation by poking fun at wanting to seek out the puncher.
All jokes aside, you may be wondering: “What are people doing to protect themselves?”
After speaking with 19-year-old LIM College student Nicole, she concluded that she does not feel safe on the train regardless of the known serial assaulters. She went on to say, “I think the train violence needs to be taken care of better. People need to feel safe when riding the train, not worried if they’re going to be assaulted when they’re simply trying to get from point A to point B.” As a means of protection, Nicole stated that she carries a taser on her just in case she finds herself in a predicament that she would need to protect herself.
In 1979, a good samaritan group was formed called the “Guardian Angels,” who helped those that ride the subway feel safe and secure. To alert the public they were around, they wore patrol-like uniforms so they were easily spotted.
Following the recent events on the train, I wondered: “Where are they now?” Fortunately, there are a few members still around. However, there are only 300 active members left which seems rather small compared to the number of subway riders (4.3 million). When I asked Nicole if she has ever seen a Guardian Angel, she said no. This leaves riders more or less at square one when it comes to protection.
I also spoke with FIT student Drew who shared their experience at the West 4th station, a place they frequently spend time at. “The number of times I was at West 4th, I was scared as f***” they told me. Drew is a commuter from New Jersey, who not only gets off at the West 4th station to go to and from school but for their internship as well. ”I've been a little paranoid about west 4th and try to walk quickly and not linger on the platform.” Drew’s consistent stops at West 4th create an even more nerve-racking experience than the typical subway ride. Drew carries their own self-defense weapons such as mace and a pocket knife because it’s the only thing that makes them feel comfortable while riding. In this day and age, people are more prone to ignore the violence that happens on subways or pull out their phones and record rather than help the victims. Self-defense is the only thing people like Drew can rely on when protecting themselves on the subway.
This is not the only thing happening on the subway. Unfortunately, there’s another reported puncher on the tracks. Well-known New York Tiktok star Davis Burleson posted a Tiktok where he shared his experience about his encounter with an assaulter. “It was this guy leaning against the wall, he just socked me in the face and I fell to the ground my mouth started bleeding” as the video continued, Burleson spoke about the three bystanders that didn’t say nor do anything to help.
As Drew mentioned earlier, many people tend to turn a blind eye in the face of violence. At the end of the video, Burleson warned viewers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings and revealed that this puncher was located at the 14th Street station.
Since the infamous “West 4th Street Puncher” is still roaming around the station, and the new “14th Street Station Puncher” be sure to be on high alert. Not to mention, there are no photos or videos of these assaults in action making it extremely difficult to identify them. Please make sure to be cautious of your surroundings while riding the subway and pick up easy-to-use self-defense items. Stay in groups, stay alert, and stay safe on the subway.