A homeless man with more than 80 prior arrests was arrested on Sunday after allegedly carrying out two brutal, unprovoked attacks on the New York City subway. The violent incidents, which took place within 24 hours of each other, left a subway rider and an MTA worker in serious condition.
The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Jamar Banks, was charged with first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Police say Banks attacked his victims without warning on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in two separate subway stations.
The First Attack: West Village Subway Rider Stabbed
The first attack took place at around 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday at the 14th Street/Sixth Avenue station in Manhattan’s West Village. A subway rider was traveling on a northbound 2 train when Banks allegedly started an argument with him. After a brief altercation, Banks reportedly stabbed the victim in the back with a knife.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital in stable condition. Police later said the attack appeared to be completely unprovoked, as the rider had not known Banks before the incident.
The Second Attack: MTA Worker Stabbed in the Bronx
Just less than 24 hours after the first attack, Banks allegedly carried out a second stabbing, this time targeting an off-duty MTA subway cleaner. The incident occurred at the Pelham Parkway station on the 5 train line in the Bronx. Police say Banks again initiated a fight with his victim and, after a brief struggle, stabbed the MTA worker in the back.
The MTA worker was also taken to the hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Once again, police stated that the attack seemed random and that Banks had no prior connection to the victim.
Banks Arrested After Investigation
After reviewing surveillance footage and gathering information from the victims, police were able to track down Banks. He was arrested on Sunday and charged with two counts of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities were shocked to learn that Banks has an extensive criminal history, with over 80 prior arrests. According to reports, he has been arrested multiple times for various crimes, including assault and theft. His long history of violent behavior has raised concerns about the safety of New Yorkers, particularly those who use the subway system.
MTA CEO Comments on the Rising Violence
MTA CEO and Chair Janno Lieber commented on the rising violence in the transit system at a news conference on Sunday. While Lieber acknowledged that transit crime was down 12% in 2024 compared to 2019, he pointed out that high-profile incidents like these were deeply concerning.
“We catch all of these maniacs. We need the criminal justice system to put them away,” Lieber said. His statement echoed the frustration many feel about repeat offenders who continue to pose a threat to public safety.
Governor Hochul’s Response to Rising Crime
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been vocal about her concerns regarding rising violence in the subway system. Just last week, she introduced new legislation as part of her budget proposal to revise the state’s involuntary commitment laws and strengthen Kendra’s Law, which allows for the involuntary hospitalization of individuals with serious mental health issues.
Hochul’s call for reform comes after several high-profile attacks on the subway, including the tragic death of a woman who was set on fire in Coney Island and the unprovoked shoving of a man in Chelsea. The governor made it clear that the state needed to take urgent action to address these public safety concerns.
“The recent surge in violent crimes in our public transit system cannot continue — and we need to tackle this crisis head-on,” Hochul said.
A Community Concern
As violence in the subway system continues to make headlines, New Yorkers are growing increasingly worried about their safety while traveling. The attacks on Wednesday and Thursday serve as stark reminders of the dangers that lurk in public spaces, even during daylight hours.
The city’s police department and MTA are working together to enhance security and prevent further attacks. In the meantime, residents and commuters are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and protect themselves while traveling on public transportation.
For now, Banks remains in custody as he faces serious charges related to the subway attacks. Authorities hope his arrest sends a clear message that crimes like these will not be tolerated, but many are calling for more to be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The situation remains a critical issue for both city officials and New Yorkers, who are demanding stronger measures to ensure the safety of all subway riders and workers.
(Source: newsbreak.com)
