The New York City police are in pursuit of an as-yet-unidentified individual caught on camera harassing a nonbinary person and allegedly physically assaulting them on a Manhattan subway.
Hunter Greer, aged 27, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, recounted an incident that unfolded on a Sunday night on the 1 train. Greer described how the attack began when they accidentally brushed their elbow against one of the individuals sitting next to them. This individual, in response, stood up and initiated verbal harassment towards Greer, even employing a homophobic slur during the altercation.
“They were continuing to yell slurs at me, and she threatened to break my nose if I didn’t get the f— off the train. At that point, they were determined to kick me off the train.”
“I was literally doing nothing. So I just stayed in my seat. I was like, listen, y’all can move, y’all can do whatever. But I didn’t do anything to you, and leave me alone,” Greer stated.
Greer recounted that the couple harassed them for several subway stops until one of the individuals punched them in the face and forcibly ejected them from the subway car at the 116th Street stop near Columbia University. The couple then fled to another subway car, as reported by Greer.
Greer emphasized the disheartening reality of such incidents, stating, “Like, if it can happen when I’m just sitting down on a train and quietly reading a book because someone decides that I’m queer, then it’ll happen.” Greer also mentioned wearing an Apple Watch with a rainbow wristband during the assault.
The New York City police did not provide a response regarding whether they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Following the altercation, Greer noticed a substantial amount of blood on their face. Bystanders came to their aid, with one person providing an ice pack, while others alerted officers at the station. Subsequently, Greer was transported to a hospital by Emergency Medical Services, where they received treatment for a fractured nose and cuts on their nose and mouth.
Regarding the search for the individuals who harassed them, the police have confirmed that they are specifically seeking the person seen in the video. The police department has called upon the public to assist in identifying this individual.
Greer, who has resided in New York City for more than five years, expressed disbelief that such an incident could occur in what they thought was a safe place. They intend to press charges against both individuals if they are identified.
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This incident adds to a series of attacks against LGBTQ individuals, establishments, and symbols in New York City over the past year. According to the NYPD Hate Crimes Dashboard, there were 45 hate crimes based on sexual orientation reported from January to June.