On New Year’s Day 2024, 71-year-old Linda Rosa, a retired MTA worker, became the victim of an attempted robbery and assault in a Brooklyn subway station. As she exited the No. 3 train at the Hoyt Street station around 6 p.m., a group of four teenage girls targeted her. One of the girls attempted to snatch Rosa’s purse, but the spirited septuagenarian was determined not to be a victim. Refusing to relinquish her belongings, Rosa held on tight, setting off a violent struggle with the young assailants.
The initial attempt to grab her purse escalated quickly. One of the teens punched Rosa in the face, sending her glasses flying and leaving a cut on her nose. Simultaneously, another girl continued to try and distract Rosa, attempting to steal from her purse. In the melee, the teen managed to snatch a small pouch containing Rosa’s identification and medical information. Undeterred, Rosa continued to fight back against her attackers, even attempting to kick one of them. The struggle intensified, culminating in Rosa being knocked to the ground and stomped on.
Fearing another attack aimed at her head, Rosa reacted swiftly. Sensing the imminent danger, she grabbed the braids of the girl who had stomped on her, twirling them tightly around her hand and pulling the teen down. As another girl approached, likely to intervene, Rosa, with remarkable presence of mind, grabbed that girl’s hair as well, effectively immobilizing two of her attackers. Holding both teens face down, Rosa yelled for assistance, refusing to release her grip despite their companions’ pleas to “Let them go!”
Rosa’s cries for help finally prompted the other two girls to throw her stolen pouch to the ground. At this point, the elderly woman released the girls and began collecting her belongings. The four teenagers fled up the stairs, with Rosa calling after them that she would be contacting the police. Despite the traumatic experience, Rosa maintained her composure and headed to the nearby Brooklyn Tabernacle Church. Church staff provided immediate assistance, tending to her injuries and calling 911. She was subsequently transported to The Brooklyn Hospital Center for further treatment.
Reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, Rosa expressed gratitude that she hadn’t suffered more severe injuries. She was particularly thankful that the assailants were unarmed, recognizing that the outcome could have been far worse. The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of seniors to violent crime, a trend that has become a troubling reality in many urban environments. Despite the attack and the trauma she endured, Rosa displayed remarkable compassion, stating that she forgave her young attackers, attributing their actions to youthful folly and a lack of understanding of the consequences. She emphasized that they “do not know what they do,” offering a poignant perspective on the incident.
This attack occurred during a period of heightened violence in the New York City subway system. The weeks leading up to and including New Year’s Day saw a series of disturbing incidents, including a woman being burned to death, a man shoved in front of a train, and multiple stabbings and slashings. These events underscore the growing concerns about safety in the city’s transit system, leaving many commuters feeling vulnerable. Rosa’s experience, while shocking, unfortunately reflects a larger pattern of violence plaguing the subway.
Linda Rosa’s bravery and quick thinking during the attack are commendable. Her decision to fight back, despite being significantly outnumbered and facing much younger assailants, is a testament to her resilience. Her story also highlights the importance of situational awareness and the potential effectiveness of self-defense tactics, especially for vulnerable individuals like senior citizens. While physical confrontation is not always recommended, in Rosa’s case, her decisive actions likely prevented further injury and potentially saved her life.
The NYPD released surveillance footage of the four suspects passing through the turnstile, and the investigation is ongoing. The attack on Linda Rosa underscores a disturbing trend of violence against elderly individuals and raises concerns about public safety, particularly in the city’s transit system. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect vulnerable populations and deter such crimes. Furthermore, it highlights the complex societal issues that contribute to youth violence and the need for effective interventions to address the root causes.
