Key Takeaways:
– Amira Hunter, 23, was charged with the assault of a subway musician in Manhattan’s Herald Square stop.
– The victim, Iain Forrest, a 29-year-old medical student was participating in the MTA’s Music Under New York initiative when the unprovoked attack happened.
– A video of the incident, caught by bystanders, documents Hunter striking Forrest in the head with his own metal water bottle.
– Hunter, who has seven prior arrests, is a resident of East New York, Brooklyn.
– Forrest expresses concerns regarding the safety for performers in the subway system.
Cello Player Assaulted in Manhattan Subway
In a shocking incident, a musician playing cello in a Manhattan subway station was assaulted by a woman who bashed him in the head with a metal bottle. Amira Hunter, 23, was arrested for the attack on Wednesday, according to officials.
Horrific Assault Caught on Camera
The unprovoked assault happened during the evening hours of February 13th at the Herald Square subway stop. The victim, a 29-year-old medical student named Iain Forrest, was performing as part of the MTA’s Music Under New York program. Forrest’s performance was rudely interrupted when Hunter grabbed the musician’s metal water bottle from the floor and attacked him with it.
Onlookers who had stopped to enjoy Forrest’s rendition of “Titanium” by Sia captured the shocking incident on video.
Suspect Arrested, Past Criminal Record Uncovered
Police were then able to apprehend Hunter, who hails from East New York, Brooklyn. This isn’t her first brush with the law as she has seven prior arrests on her record. Among them are four domestic violence charges, two counts of petty larceny, and a grand larceny charge from October for shoplifting.
Concerns Over Safety for Subway Performers
Forrest, who narrowly escaped serious injury from the incident, expressed his disbelief following the attack. “I couldn’t quite get my bearings and it was only when I saw my metal water bottle rolling around on the ground and I saw the crowd’s face in awe, disbelief and shock that I realized, I think someone just smashed the back of my head,” Forrest shared, recounting his experience.
He also voiced serious concerns over safety for performers in the subway system. This attack was his second; the first assault happening last May in Times Square where Forrest was beaten and robbed. Following these events, Forrest acknowledges the risk of performing in such settings.
“It does kind of break my heart that this is something that has to stop indefinitely, barring some sort of systemic change with protection for performances in the subway,” Forrest expressed, clearly aggrieved by the unfortunate turn of events.
Victim Re-evaluates Future Subway Performances
Known by his nickname, “Eyeglasses,” Forrest had almost given up his underground performances after last May’s attack, where the alleged robber, Rendell Robinson, was charged with robbery and is currently held on bail.
Now, in light of the recent incident, Forrest reiterates his decision, citing safety first. A family man, Forrest said, “I’ve got a wife. I’ve got a family and friends that care about me and I don’t know what they would do if I was gone.”
This latest act of violence underscores the point that locations like the subway, while bustling with potential audience, may just be too dangerous for our city’s spirited performers. Despite the vibrant and diverse art culture brought to these places by programs like MTA’s Music Under New York, safety remains a significant concern.
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