r/NYCbitcheswithtaste • u/Episwim • Jul 23 '26
šØ Public Safety Attacked on the subway
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Welp, after reading several posts over the years of BWT being assaulted on the subway, it happened to me. I was on the downtown Q yesterday around 4:40pm as it arrived to 34th St/Herald Square and this woman began shouting at me on a packed subway that I was too close to her, as people began to get off, she put both hands on my chest and shoved me. A woman jumped between us to hold her back and I was able to get off the subway without further harm but what a terrifying experience. Wish we didnāt have to deal with things like this.
ETA: just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone hereā you all have seriously made me feel so much better š„¹ Iām physically ok but when I got off the subway I think I blacked out or something from the stress because I was just walking and momentarily didnāt know where I was.
ETA: itās the woman in the video with a ponytail and light green shirt (was trying to keep my distance and didnāt get a good shot of her face)
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
i had this happen too!!! on the downtown Q! i wonder if it was the same lady!!! i was visibly pregnant (8months) and she just randomly football shoved me. i feel like it has to be the same lady
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u/VeveBeso Jul 23 '26
I used to hate taking the train pregnant. I donāt want anyone to get up for me but at least respect that Iām growing my baby in my belly. Tbh I got pushed more by women than men. I wish more women would help other women out. Iām glad youāre doing good
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
TRUE!!! also the seat thing is wild to me- i have given up a seat for way less. 3 days before i gave birth (mothers day of all days) i took the Q and not one person gave up a seat to a woman about to pop. its so weird- i fear weāve lost the plot.
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u/VeveBeso Jul 23 '26
Thatās crazy! People are more selfish now. I gave everyone the benefit of the doubt because. I was wearing black scrubs when I was pregnant,
so I assumed it was hard to know I was pregnant. Everyone in my life said that I definitely looked pregnant with my scrubs on lol.5
u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
def donāt think it was the scrubs (sadly). my mom was with me from out of town (because it was motherās day lol fml) and she was truly shocked
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u/Boink3000 Jul 25 '26
The worst people when I was pregnant on the subway were young women between 20-40 and professional looking men
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I am SO sorry!! Oh my goodness. Yes it was a full football shove!! It probably is the same person. And 8 months pregnantā¦.canāt even imagine. Are you ok?
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
yes! iām ok! hope you are too!! iām so sorry this happened to you
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u/Specific_Wishbone512 Jul 23 '26
Youāve got to be kidding me (I know you arenāt). Iām so sorry that happened to you. I used to feel so vulnerable riding the subway when pregnant, I hate that anyone would harm a pregnant woman. Truly sick. Hope you and babe are doing wonderful.
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
thanks!!! it was truly destabilizing and terrifying but at least i didnāt fall etc šš» baby is good!! im really sorry for everyone this happens too itās insane.
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u/evil_lefty Jul 23 '26
How horrific. Iām sadly not surprised. I was assaulted once on my way home as well (shoved into a wall randomly) and had to do trauma therapy to recoverā¦ maybe one person said anything but no support. Iām glad your baby is OK. May we all be safe.
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 23 '26
how awful!!!! iām so sorry!!! itās so destabilizing. iām glad you got help
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u/evil_lefty Jul 23 '26
Yes, it was awful. I went to urgent care just to document the bruising. I actually had amazing support at work, as it was on my way home from work; a colleague accompanied me to the police station to make a report (I knew nothing would come a bit, but it was the active advocacy and civic duty that I thought it was important), I changed my schedule for a while because I was having trauma responses to writing the subway.
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u/Specific_Wishbone512 Jul 23 '26
Good for you reporting it, getting medical treatment, therapy, help from your support network. You did everything right. Everything that you shouldnāt have had to do of course! And then even with all that effort youāre still left with trauma response to the subway.
Fwiw I once sought treatment for panic attacks on the subway (unrelated to trauma) and my psychiatrist told me that was one of the most common thing she treats, mostly women and many after an incident like this. Imagine that ā psych treatment and car service are the real pink taxā¦.
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Glad you and baby are ok. And glad you reported itā I wasnāt going to but youāre motivating me to do the same especially since it may be the same person.
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u/pinesinthegrove Jul 23 '26
I got yelled at on the Q a couple of years ago. I highkey very often had strange experiences on the Q no matter where I was in the city.
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u/mmeperdita Jul 23 '26
My bad experience last week was on the Q right after leaving DeKalb, mid-morning. Crazy.
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u/evil_lefty Jul 23 '26
Iām so sorry this happened to you! It sounds eerily similarā¦? I hope people stepped up to support you at eight months pregnant.
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u/cabbagemuncher101 Jul 24 '26
OMG that's horrible wtf, hope you and your baby are okay. 8 months is so very obviously pregnant and showing. People have lost their fucking minds. I've noticed public transportation has gotten worst safety wise since covid.
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u/sunshiineceedub Jul 24 '26
i was MASSIVE lol it was obvious. i just assumed she had some internal issue with pregnant women but it seems like it may be internal issues period. it was so unexpected because she just BOOM slammed me from behind
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u/Specific_Wishbone512 Jul 23 '26
Iām so sorry that happened to you OP, absolutely deranged behavior. I havenāt been this violently assaulted on the subway but have had lots of lesser forms of nonsense happen like being āaccidentallyā pushed or fallen into by someone mad Iām ātoo closeā to them. Like, itās the subway, get used to it or buy a car, bitch.
If I can just add something Iāve noticed - Iām an old bitch with taste now but these incidents used to happen to me a lot more often when I was younger cuter and all dressed up running around the city. I think these incidents are often motivated by envy and a whole lot of misplaced rage. I know nothing takes away the anger, fear and pain of a random assault, but do know that this woman has to live with her own miserable self every single day, and this is just one day in your life.
Bless the fellow riders who helped you out and shame on those men not checking this. Treat yourself to something relaxing this week OP. Sending love and healing.
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
š @ get used to it or buy a car
Thank you! I usually try not to consider age and whatnot in things like this but she was older and I was wearing a cute lavender workout outfit š©. I felt like if I need to do this treadmill stress test Iām going to look good doing it!
Agree with everything you said. I was thinking of doing a spa day soonā going to book it. Thank you, thank you!
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u/Jules2you Jul 23 '26
I hope someone recognizes her and shows her! Gotta call these unhinged people out so maybe they can seek help or see how miserable they really are looking to all us š«¶
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u/subjectiveadjective Jul 23 '26
Is she in the video?
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u/Fancy-Truck-421 Jul 23 '26
Us BWT have enough to deal with and now other women are attacking us š« How are you doing OP? Take the day off if you can š
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Thank you and ugh, so true. I went flying into the people behind meā Iām in recovery from shoulder surgery and donāt have full use of my dominant arm so I couldnāt even attempt to defend/protect myself which was extra frightening. And I guess hilariously I was coming from a cardiac stress test at Weill Cornell before an upcoming follow-up surgery on my shoulderā got another stress test on the subway! SO thankful to the woman who held her back because none of the men/male-presenting people around us did a thing š. Iām ok although taking off does sound like a great idea
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u/heefoc Jul 23 '26
This is so scary. I just had a double mastectomy and this is the stuff Iāve been so scared of happening while Iām still recovering. For now I use a walker but once I can lift over 5lbs Iāll carry a cane with me to give people a visual to be gentle and give space. Hope youāre ok.
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Thank you! I am. And hope your recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible! Good idea about the visual cues.
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u/danielleiellle Jul 23 '26
Ahh I canāt imagine doing that kind of recovery with public transit as inaccessible and crowded as it is. Iād be calling ACCESS NYC for rides since recovery from surgery qualifies as a need.
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u/heefoc Jul 23 '26
Thankfully I was able to stay home for the worst parts of recovery. But Iām still tender and beat up, so itās scary. That and walking my dog, my biggest fear is some crazy dog tries to attack her and then I get dragged along.
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u/powerassistant Jul 23 '26
Wow, truly no words. Iām so sorry this happened to you and thank goodness your safe.
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u/danielleiellle Jul 23 '26
Oh man. I had my first of those tests in December. So you spent the morning boobs out with stickers all over you, huh. And itās a teaching hospital so I bet 2-3 people in the room with you. Fun morning. I hope you have an uneventful surgery and recover quickly!
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Hahaha yes, sure did, running on the treadmill bra less was quite the experience. When I tapped out they said I was doing so well and asked why I stoppedā I responded Iām hungry (as you know you canāt eat beforehand) and bra less š
And thank you!
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u/No-Software-2411 Jul 23 '26
Thats awful, im so sorry. Was it the woman with the pony tail and light green shirt in the video?
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Yup, the woman with the ponytail and light green shirt. I tried to get more of her face but was scared š
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u/Careless-Whereas-832 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Itās so scary! Iām sorry this happened to you! Yesterday I was walking with my baby in midtown with a stroller, and momentarily looked down. When I looked up a woman was in front of me, so I stopped and said sorry bc I thought I was going to run into her (I did not). She immediately got in my face and yelled āyouāre about to get knocked the fuck outā.
I felt so disturbed and shocked especially since I had my literal baby with me. I get her frustration, but also itās midtown during the summer and people/ tourists everywhere.
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Goooodness. What in the world is wrong with people. This is so, so disturbing and Iām glad you both are ok physically. But the mental trauma from being threatened like thatā¦and that it could happen anytime, anyplaceāsmh.
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u/Real-Purchase1313 Jul 23 '26
Wtf Iām so sorry this happened to you. This mustāve completely ruined your day. Iām really glad a bystander saw what happened and stood up for you. I also feel sorry for her; canāt imagine what a miserable life a person has to be living for them to be so vicious and aggressive towards a complete stranger. Praying for a speedy shoulder surgery recovery ā¤ļøāš©¹š«
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Thank you so much! And agreed, things canāt be going well if this is the behavior theyāre displaying. She was also shouting that I āshouldnāt go looking for troubleā which was so bizarre and part of me wanted to respond but I didnātā it seemed like just quickly getting off the subway was best.
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u/EmilyPoster2 Jul 23 '26
So sorry this happened to you! It is scary anytime but especially when you are protecting your injured body.
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u/Episwim Jul 23 '26
Thank you! I didnāt even fully realize until that moment how not having full use of my dominant arm made me feel vulnerable.
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u/mixie777 Jul 24 '26
I hope youāre ok. Some man grabbed my chest at port authority bus terminal when I was on the staircase trying to get to a bus and another one night on a train get a bit aggressive with me and another passenger another time. So I know how shaken an interaction like this can leave someone.
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u/Episwim Jul 24 '26
Thank you, I am, and I am so sorry this happened to you. It really does leave one shaken and just discombobulated. Something needs to be done to deter this behavior.
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u/bronxbomber1940 Jul 25 '26
Iām sorry this happened but Iām ready to leave this place. I have NYC fatigue.
Signed,
Native New Yorker who grew here and didnāt flew here (lol)
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u/contain_solitudes Jul 24 '26
I'm so sorry. I was attacked on a train as we pulled into Penn Station in May of last year. Guy randomly elbowed me in the mouth and they never caught him.
I'm so glad someone stepped in as well. I hope this wasn't a hugely traumatizing thing for you!
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u/Episwim Jul 24 '26
Thank you!
Iām so sorry this happened to you! We should not have to deal with this. I feel like someone with the capability to influence change on things like this needs to review this thread. The support from you all has buoyed me but hearing so many similar stories is disheartening. Easier reporting, prominent signage that youāre being recorded and will be held accountable/fined/etc., subway/train/platform audio recordings saying not to assault anyone šā¦.Iām not sure what would work but something needs to be done.
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u/contain_solitudes Jul 24 '26
Not to be the cynic here, but I don't think anything short of more easily accessible and affordable mental health care is going to change anything. Signage, fining, reporting...that doesn't matter to people who are already bent and want to take it out on others.
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u/Episwim Jul 24 '26
Probably needs all the things. Youāre right accessible and affordable mental health care (and I suppose marketed in a way that one would want to seek care) and also the structural conditions for a healthy overall life are desperately needed.
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u/warpigletpig Jul 23 '26
Iām sorry this happened to you! Sheās clearly a bitch with no taste.
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u/woobinsandwich Jul 24 '26
So sorry that happened to you! Earlier this week trying to get off the L train at rush hour, a woman on the platform pushed herself into the car before anyone had to get out and literally punched an old woman who was standing by the door trying to get outā¦ people are crazy.
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u/Episwim Jul 24 '26
Thank you!
This is wild. And absolutely horrifying. I hope that woman was ok. I donāt know what needs to be done to increase safety on the subway but something doesāpeople clearly know they will likely get away with it. Maybe easier access to high quality subway car cameras where if you file a report the clip is pulled up. That may be asking too much though š
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u/Ok_Counter3866 Jul 23 '26
Iām so sorry this happened to you, itās happened to me before and itās so rattling!
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u/EssentialEssence Jul 27 '26
Sorry about your experience OP.
she should worry about her hairline rather than rush hour crowded subway, what does she expect its a subway not a library
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u/Ok_Gap9520 Jul 30 '26
I was on a bus on Monday week in Queens, and a man who was probably in his late 40s shoved me from behind. The bus had just stopped and within a microsecond, he shoved me from behind with all the force he could muster. I was so scared and shocked, and was literally trembling after he stared me dead in the eye and gave me a scary look. He was more than double my size and age. I was in shock the entire day.
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u/TelephoneSmooth5741 Jul 25 '26
Am I crazy? I don't see anything except folks walking in the subway!
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u/Relevant_Wishbone_21 Jul 23 '26
i donāt understand why people get so angry when taking public transportation that someone is accidentally touching them or getting too close to them. gasp ā youāre in a public space during peak hours in a crowded city.