During the rush hour on Friday, a subway train in Washington Heights, Manhattan, witnessed a heinous attack on a 15-year-old boy with high-functioning autism. A group of teenagers brutally beat the victim while one of them dragged him by his sweater. The perpetrators also hurled insults and slurs at the young man. The incident garnered attention on social media after a video of the attack was shared, resulting in an investigation by the NYPD and the Hate Crimes Unit. The incident has sparked outrage and concern for the safety of vulnerable individuals traveling on public transportation.
The victim, who has not been named, is now recovering at home from his injuries. However, his mother, who remained anonymous, refused to watch the video of her son being beaten up, saying, “Nobody wants to see their kid being assaulted.” She advises other parents to watch their children closely to avoid similar incidents. She stated that she is more concerned about the mental harm done to her son than the physical injuries he sustained. The young man was unaware of the reason for the attack or the identities of his assailants.
The NYPD is actively searching for the two female and one male perpetrator is seen in the video. They are also investigating the incident as a hate crime because of the anti-Black slurs shouted during the attack. The police are urging anyone with information about the assailants to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline. Meanwhile, the New York City Transit President, Richard Davey, released a statement expressing sympathy for the victim and vowing to cooperate fully with the NYPD investigation.
An autistic teen was brutally attacked on a NYC subway platform in possible hate crime. Let’s find these criminals. pic.twitter.com/sJcAw0pDih
— Frank Giugliano (@nyccookies) March 15, 2023
This shocking incident serves as a reminder that hate crimes and bullying can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness, particularly when traveling alone or with vulnerable individuals. Parents and guardians must remain vigilant and take steps to protect their children from harm, such as accompanying them on public transportation or ensuring they know how to get help. Additionally, bystanders can make a significant difference in preventing or stopping these kinds of attacks by speaking out or seeking help from authorities.
