Cellist med student quits NYC subway gigs after double assault
A Young Cellist and Medical Student Assaulted in New York City Subway
A talented young cellist and medical student has made the difficult decision to stop performing his music in New York City Subway stations after being attacked for the second time in less than a year.
The victim, Iain Forrest, is an MD-PhD student studying genetics. He was playing his electric cello in the 34th Street–Herald Square station when a female bystander approached him. Without warning, she grabbed his metal water bottle and struck him on the back of the head before fleeing. This shocking incident follows a similar assault that Forrest experienced just months ago, leading him to put an end to his public performances.
Forrest took to social media to share his ordeal, stating, “This marks the second attack I’ve endured in less than a year while performing for New Yorkers in subway stations. I don’t think I can do this anymore. I’m suspending subway performances indefinitely.”
Yesterday, I was attacked in the NYC subway. At 5:50 pm on February 14th, while performing at 34th St Herald Square station, a woman wearing a mustard jacket, red scarf, and gloves assaulted me by smashing the back of my head with my metal water bottle. pic.twitter.com/UpSl43yk3x
— Iain S. Forrest, PhD (@IainSForrest) February 14, 2024
Following the attack, Forrest reported that his assailant managed to escape into a nearby store by discarding her outer garments, evading both pursuers and the police.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) Crime Stoppers released additional footage of the assailant, offering a reward of up to $3,500 for any tips leading to her arrest and indictment.
🚨WANTED🚨for an ASSAULT in the mezzanine inside of the 34th Street/ Herald Square station #heraldsquare #manhattan On 2/13/24 @ 7:47 PM Reward up to $3500 Seen her? Know who she is? Call 1-800-577-TIPS or DM us! Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! pic.twitter.com/gExo1F5JwV
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) February 14, 2024
The incident involving Forrest is part of a concerning trend in New York City, where transit crimes have seen a significant increase of nearly 23 percent this year. The NYPD has reported a rise in grand larceny, felony assaults, robberies, and other crimes compared to the same period last year.
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The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA), responsible for the subway system, reported over 4,900 complaints last year, with nearly 2,300 of them classified as assaults. However, the number of arrests made for assault remains relatively low.
These alarming statistics are not limited to the subway alone. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has also seen an increase in felony assaults, subway worker assaults, vandalism incidents, and subway fires in recent years.
As the safety of New York City’s public transportation system continues to be a concern, it is crucial for authorities to address these issues and ensure the well-being of both passengers and performers like Iain Forrest.
What can society do to promote a culture of respect and appreciation for artists and their contributions in public spaces
>The time is NOW!!!@NYPDTips $3500 reward for [email protected]/QHUYMHywF2
— Crime Stoppers NY (@NYPDTips) February 14, 2024
This incident has sparked outrage among the New York City community, including fellow musicians and artists who have rallied behind Forrest. Many are calling for increased security measures in subway stations to ensure the safety of performers and commuters alike.
The subway has long been a platform for budding musicians to showcase their talent and share their music with the diverse population of the city. However, the recent rise in attacks on performers highlights a disturbing trend of violence and harassment in public spaces.
Forrest’s decision to cease his subway performances sheds light on the challenges faced by artists who choose to share their talents in public. The vulnerability they face in entrusting their art to an often-unpredictable audience is further compounded by the threat of physical harm.
Despite the traumatic experiences he has endured, Forrest remains determined to pursue his passion for music and medicine. He plans to continue his studies while exploring other avenues to perform and share his music in a safe environment.
The assault against Iain Forrest serves as a reminder that no individual should have to fear for their safety while sharing their talents in public spaces. It is imperative that the authorities take swift action to bring the assailant to justice and ensure the safety of all performers and commuters in the New York City subway system.
Furthermore, it is essential for society as a whole to condemn acts of violence and harassment, while promoting a culture of respect and appreciation for artists and their contributions. Only then can we truly create an environment in which all individuals are free to express themselves without fear of harm or retaliation.
Iain Forrest’s courage in sharing his story has sparked a much-needed conversation about the safety of performers in public spaces. It is our collective responsibility to support artists and ensure that they can express themselves freely, without the threat of violence or intimidation.
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