Brooklyn, New York — A subway station agent suffered serious injuries after being attacked by two women over the weekend, highlighting growing concerns about safety in the transit system. Marshalee Reid, a 51-year-old employee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), detailed the incident during a media briefing on Tuesday.
The brutal confrontation occurred Saturday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. at the New Lots Avenue station on the 3 line. Reid was assisting an elderly passenger when she observed one woman jump over the turnstile. When the other woman asked to enter for free, Reid refused, sparking a violent response from both individuals. Reid reported that one of the attackers used keys to strike her, while a knife was also present.
Reid was transported to a local hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition. However, she expressed concern about her health, as she underwent brain surgery last June. Reid mentioned her need for follow-up medical care, including an MRI, and the emotional toll the attack has taken on her.
“We should not have to worry about being assaulted while doing our jobs,” stated John Chiarello, president of the Transit Workers Union Local 100, during the press conference. He emphasized the need for increased protective measures for transit workers. Chiarello condemned the notion that public transport employees must simply tolerate such violence.
In response to the attack, the New York Police Department released surveillance images of the two suspects. Union officials stressed the lack of security cameras in high-crime areas, exacerbating the vulnerability of transit personnel. “In crime-driven areas, we need better surveillance to ensure the safety of those working there,” said Robert Kelly, vice president of the union.
Mayor Eric Adams responded to concerns regarding transit safety, suggesting that systemic issues in legislation contribute to rising crime rates. He called for stronger support from lawmakers to enhance safety measures, particularly in public transit. “It starts at the gate,” Adams said, criticizing recent legislative efforts that he believes undermine public safety.
The MTA has reported over 10 attacks on transit employees within the first quarter of this year alone, excluding additional violent incidents that have occurred more recently. The NYPD recorded 175 transit-related crimes in June, albeit a slight decrease from the previous year. Despite this dip, the overall trend suggests ongoing safety challenges for MTA workers.
In the aftermath of the attack, Reid expressed fear about returning to work, citing threats she received from her assailants. “They told me they would send someone to kill me,” she said, illustrating the unsettling reality many transit workers face.
The incident has reignited discussions about the necessity for enhanced police presence and improved safety protocols within the transit system, as officials and union leaders continue to call for urgent action to protect those who serve one of the nation’s busiest public transport networks.