A Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) worker was assaulted while attempting to break up a fight between two passengers on a Brooklyn subway platform, officials confirmed Thursday.
The incident occurred late Wednesday evening at the Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center Station, one of the borough’s busiest transit hubs. According to police, the employee intervened when an argument between two riders escalated into a physical altercation. As he tried to separate the individuals, one of the men punched him in the face before fleeing the scene.
The MTA employee, whose name has not been released, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. He is expected to recover fully.
The NYPD Transit Bureau has launched an investigation and is reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspect. No arrests have been made as of Thursday afternoon.
In a statement, the MTA condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable and senseless.”
“Our employees put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep New Yorkers moving safely,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Violence against transit workers will not be tolerated — we expect swift justice.”
This incident adds to a growing number of assaults reported against MTA personnel this year. According to MTA data, worker assaults have risen by nearly 18% compared to the same period in 2024, despite increased police patrols across the subway system.
Union officials renewed their calls for stronger legal protections for transit workers. “No one should have to fear being attacked for simply doing their job,” said TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
