In a shocking incident on Saturday, an MTA worker named Marshalee Reid, age 51, was brutally attacked at a Brooklyn subway station while performing her duties. Reid was still in recovery from brain surgery when she encountered two women attempting to avoid paying their subway fare. This situation unfolded in broad daylight, highlighting the growing safety concerns in our public transportation system.
Around 1:15 p.m., Reid, who was working on restricted duty at the New Lots Avenue subway station, noticed an elderly passenger needing assistance. As she stepped in to help, one of the women jumped over the turnstile, and the other quickly followed through the emergency exit. Instead of acknowledging Reid’s attempt to uphold the fare rules, both women turned aggressive.
According to the NYPD, the assailants began to beat Reid, using her own set of keys to slash at her and punching her multiple times. This completely unprovoked violence left Reid injured and in need of medical attention. Emergency responders transported her to Brookdale Hospital, where she was in stable condition.
Authorities are now actively searching for the individuals involved in this attack. Robert Kelley, the Vice President for Stations of the Transport Workers Union, has expressed hope that these assailants will face stringent consequences, advocating for a minimum of seven years in prison. Reid supports this stance, stating that there must be accountability for assaults against city workers.
In recent months, subway safety has become a significant concern for New Yorkers. Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s acknowledgment of the city’s safety issues during her State of the State address, there has been a push for increased police presence on the subways. While her plans indicate progress, incidents like this one clearly underscore the still-prevalent dangers within the transit system.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend regarding subway crime. In March, there was a temporary dip in criminal activities, but by April, reports showed a 9% increase in felony assaults compared to the previous year, and an alarming 55% rise from 2019. This spike in crime naturally raises alarm among commuters who rely on public transportation for their daily travel.
The details released by the NYPD indicate that the first suspect is between 25 and 30 years old, with a light complexion and cropped black hair. Surveillance footage shows her wearing a black t-shirt and multicolored shorts at the time of the incident. The second suspect, also in the same age range with short orange hair, was last seen in a pink shirt and blue jeans.
In the wake of Reid’s attack, city officials and transit representatives are calling for reinforced measures to protect workers and the public alike. Kelley emphasizes that these attacks should not be tolerated and calls on citizens to help identify those who think they can act without consequences.
Overall, this incident serves as a wake-up call for the community and leaders to push for stronger safety measures and to address the underlying issues contributing to violence in public spaces. The greater concern for all New Yorkers is the idea that no one should fear for their safety while simply trying to perform their job or ride the subway. It is crucial for the city to prioritize safety and accountability, ensuring that aggressors face the full extent of the law. We can’t allow fear to overshadow our daily routines; it’s time for actionable change.
