The union for public transit workers is pushing for stronger protections after an MTA employee was attacked when trying to stop a man from urinating on the platform in Times Square.
The subway cleaner at the busy station saw the man at the end of a platform around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. According to investigators, the suspect slashed the worker multiple times on the left arm before escaping on a southbound 1 train.
The union said the 30-year-old worker, who is engaged to be married, was just minutes away from wrapping up his shift when he was attacked.
At a press conference on Tuesday, union officials called out MTA police to do more to protect both workers and passengers — and for tougher penalties for violators. Under current state law, assault of an MTA employee is a felony punishable up to seven years in prison.
“This is like a butcher did this, like he was carving him up,” said John Chiarello, the president of TWU Local 100. “This person deserves to be in jail for a long time. Absolutely tried to kill him.”
Union officials showed graphic images of the worker’s injuries, saying it’s a clear view of the reality employees face while on the job.
Police released images of the suspect as part of their search. The union also announced an additional $2,000 reward, on top the $3,500 offered by CrimeStoppers.
“Anyone who assaults our members deserves to be in jail with no bail,” said Chiarello.
Overall, according to NYPD numbers, subway crime is down in the city slightly compared to 2025 — including the area of Times Square — but some other precincts have seen double digit increases.
The MTA referred questions about extra enforcement to the NYPD. The search for the suspect was ongoing.
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