woman pushed on nyc subway tracks
Woman Pushed Onto Subway Tracks in Manhattan: Safety Concerns Intensify Amid Rising Subway Crime
By Marsh (Edi) Baptise
Manhattan, NY – A 23-year-old woman was violently shoved onto the tracks of an incoming A train at the 175th Street Station in Washington Heights, Manhattan, on January 25, an incident that has amplified fears about the safety of New York City’s subway system. The attack, which occurred during the busy evening rush hour, left commuters horrified and has reignited discussions about protecting women from increasing violence in public spaces.
The assailant, identified as 26-year-old Markeese Brazelis, was apprehended by police shortly after the attack. Brazelis, a homeless man with a recent arrest for groping, now faces charges of attempted murder and assault. Miraculously, the victim managed to avoid the oncoming train and escaped with minor injuries. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover fully.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence against women, particularly in public spaces such as the subway system. Recent data revealed that violent crimes on the subway rose by 18.1% in December 2024 compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing risks faced by commuters, especially women. Advocates for women’s safety argue that public spaces, including transit systems, have become increasingly unsafe, with women disproportionately targeted in acts of violence.
The attack has also sparked renewed criticism of New York City’s lenient policies on repeat offenders. Brazelis’s recent arrest for groping raises questions about why he was not detained or held accountable before this incident occurred. Many critics argue that the city’s criminal justice system has failed to adequately address the threat posed by individuals with a history of violent or predatory behavior.
Community leaders and residents of Washington Heights have expressed outrage over the incident and the broader issue of safety for women. Carmen De La Rosa, a City Council member representing the area, stated that incidents like this highlight the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable populations. “Women are disproportionately affected by violent crimes like these,” she said. “We cannot allow a lack of accountability for repeat offenders to endanger their safety.”
Riders and local advocates have also shared their growing frustration with the lack of tangible change. Maria Lopez, a commuter who uses the 175th Street Station daily, said she no longer feels safe while traveling. “Every day, I’m looking over my shoulder,” she explained. “It’s exhausting, and it’s infuriating. Something has to change—not just with more police presence but with addressing the culture of violence against women and the lack of accountability for offenders.”
