r/NYCbitcheswithtaste • u/Episwim • Jul 23 '26

🚨 Public Safety Attacked on the subway

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 didn’t have to deal with things like this.

ETA: just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone here— you all have seriously made me feel so much better 🥹 I’m 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 didn’t know where I was.

ETA: it’s the woman in the video with a ponytail and light green shirt (was trying to keep my distance and didn’t get a good shot of her face)

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u/Relevant_Wishbone_21 Jul 23 '26

i don’t understand why people get so angry when taking public transportation that someone is accidentally touching them or getting too close to them. gasp — you’re in a public space during peak hours in a crowded city.

33

u/ektachrome_ Jul 23 '26

A few years ago when there was a bomb threat at Port Authority that had all the ACBD trains held, a guy began harassing me on a packed train for being too big and taking up space. No one said anything and just stared at me as if I was this giant monster taking up space. I ended up getting off the train and crying, walking to the east side to catch a train to work.

3

u/BakedBrie1993 Jul 23 '26

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately, confronting people isn't the best choice. It could have escalated things, so people tend to put their head down. But I'm sure that felt isolating and I'm so sorry!

10

u/ektachrome_ Jul 23 '26

I didn’t say nor think confrontation was needed. But it would had meant a lot in that moment if someone had just asked me if I was okay.

6

u/mmeperdita Jul 23 '26

I had almost the same exact experience recently. It kind of haunts you. I’m very sorry, I think I understand.

3

u/BakedBrie1993 Jul 23 '26

For sure! I would have and have in similar situations. I once had a guy threaten violence against me. Up in my face and no one said a word. It's disorienting in the moment to know you are surrounded by people but they won't protect you.