A 28-year-old man was injured in a suspected anti-LGBTQ hate crime on a New York City subway earlier this month after he kissed his transgender partner, according to police. The New York Police Department Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the January 10 assault, which left the victim with a facial laceration and renewed concerns about safety for LGBTQ people on public transit.
The attack was first reported by Gay City News, which cited police sources and obtained additional details about the incident.
Police say the incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. on a southbound No. 6 train approaching the 23rd Street station in Manhattan. The victim and his transgender partner were sharing a brief kiss when an unidentified man began shouting anti-LGBTQ slurs at them. The verbal harassment escalated into a confrontation inside the subway car.
According to investigators, the suspect then struck the victim in the face with a sharp object, slashing the right side of his cheek. The attacker exited the train at the 23rd Street and Park Avenue stop and fled on foot before officers arrived at the scene.
The injured man exited the train at the 14th Street Union Square station and was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities said the victim’s partner was not physically injured during the attack.
The NYPD released surveillance images of the suspect through Crime Stoppers in an effort to identify the individual responsible. In the images, the suspect’s face appears partially covered. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit tips online.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. The case is being handled by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, which is reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and additional transit camera recordings.
The assault adds to growing concern about anti-LGBTQ harassment and violence on public transportation systems. Advocacy organizations have repeatedly warned that transgender people and same-gender couples are often targeted in shared public spaces, including subways, buses, and stations.
While overall crime on the city’s subway system has fluctuated in recent years, bias-motivated incidents based on sexual orientation and gender identity continue to be among the most frequently reported hate crimes in New York City. LGBTQ advocates say many incidents still go unreported due to fear, trauma, or lack of confidence in the reporting process.
Police encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses bias-based harassment or violence to report it, even if injuries are minor. Investigators say timely reports are critical to identifying suspects and preventing future attacks.
The NYPD continues to ask for the public’s help as the search for the suspect continues.
