Subway violence spikes as commuter attacked during morning ride
- Alexander Rakitin was attacked by Timothy Barbee on the N train during the morning commute after a minor altercation.
- Timothy Barbee was arrested and charged with third-degree assault following the incident.
- The event underscores rising anxiety among subway passengers due to increased violence since the pandemic.
In New York City, Alexander Rakitin, a 42-year-old father working in finance, was attacked during his morning subway commute after accidentally nudging the knee of his seatmate, Timothy Barbee, who is 34 years old. The incident occurred on Monday morning when Rakitin and Barbee were both traveling on the N train. After a brief confrontation, Barbee punched Rakitin, escalating the situation into a physical struggle that spilled onto the subway floor. By the time the train reached the next stop, police were called, and Barbee was arrested. He subsequently faced charges for third-degree assault during his arraignment on Tuesday, but declined to comment on the incident. The incident highlighted the rising unease many commuters encounter while traveling on the subway system in New York. Rakitin, who has been taking the subway since 1995, expressed his shock but not his surprise at the violence he experienced, as crime rates on the subway have risen significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain crimes, such as robbery and felony assault, have shown a slight decline, overall violent incidents have become more prominent, contributing to an atmosphere of fear among riders. As of spring 2024, statistics indicated that only 45% of subway passengers reported feeling safe while using the system, a notable decrease from previous years. The rising crime rates and aggressive behavior among some riders have led to heightened anxiety among New Yorkers utilizing public transit, escalating the sense of danger associated with daily commutes. Rakitin remarked that after such an incident, the psychological impact lingers. Commuting usually involves shared spaces with identifiable passengers, leading to a pervasive fear of encountering the person involved in an altercation. Despite the struggles with rising crime levels, commuting has been a long-standing practice for many in the city, including Rakitin, who emphasized the essential nature of public transport in urban life. The societal expectations for public safety have become a crucial point for discussions on how to manage and respond to outbursts of violence in transit areas.