4 hours ago
Man Slashed in Face on NYC Subway After Kissing Boyfriend in Alleged Anti-LGBTQ+ Attack
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A 28-year-old man suffered a laceration to the right side of his face in an apparent anti-LGBTQ+ attack on a New York City subway train on January 10, 2026.
The incident occurred around 7: 50 p. m. as the southbound No. 6 train approached 23rd Street Station in Gramercy, Manhattan. According to the New York Police Department , the victim was traveling with his boyfriend when an unknown assailant became irate upon seeing them kiss.
What began as a verbal dispute escalated quickly, with the suspect shouting anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs at the victim. The attacker then produced a sharp object and struck the victim in the face, inflicting a significant wound, before exiting the train at 23rd Street and Park Avenue Station and fleeing on foot.
The victim exited the train at 14th Street-Union Square and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where he received treatment for his injuries. His injuries are not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.
The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation, classifying the assault as a bias incident motivated by the victim's perceived sexual orientation. On January 16, 2026, police released photos of the suspect—a man described in reports as wearing distinctive clothing captured on surveillance footage—and urged the public to come forward with information. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the NYPD Tip Line at 1-800-577-TIPS or through @nypdtips on social media.
LGBTQ+ advocates have condemned the attack, emphasizing the ongoing risks faced by queer individuals on public transit. The incident underscores broader concerns about safety in New York City's subway system, where multiple recent assaults have heightened calls for improved reporting of bias-motivated crimes. Community leaders have stressed the importance of vigilance and support for victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in shared public spaces.
This event highlights the persistent challenges for LGBTQ+ people navigating everyday activities like using public transportation, where displays of affection can provoke hostility. Official statements from the NYPD frame the dispute as involving anti-LGBTQIA+ statements, reinforcing the bias element central to the case.
As the search continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for community and institutional efforts to combat hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals. Police continue to seek public assistance to apprehend the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.
