On New Year’s Day, a 71-year-old woman named Linda Rosa demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience when she became the target of a robbery attempt by a group of four teenage girls on the New York City subway. The incident, which unfolded at the Hoyt Street station in Brooklyn around 6 p.m., underscores the ongoing concerns about safety within the city’s transit system. Rosa, on her way to church, found herself facing down her assailants after they attempted to snatch her purse. Refusing to be intimidated, she fought back with surprising strength, engaging in a physical struggle with the teens.
Rosa’s account of the attack reveals a determined woman who refused to be a victim. When one of the girls tried to grab her purse, Rosa resisted. The teen then struck her in the face, knocking off her glasses. Undeterred, Rosa continued to fight back, even as a second teen managed to steal a small pouch containing her identification and medical records. She described kicking at one of her attackers, then falling to the ground, where she was stomped on. Fearing further injury, Rosa quickly got back on her feet and grabbed the hair of one of the assailants, twisting it around her hand. When another teen tried to intervene, Rosa grabbed her hair as well, holding both girls down.
The confrontation became more chaotic as the remaining two teens yelled at Rosa to release their friends. Amidst the commotion, Rosa called out for help. Eventually, she let go of the two girls, who quickly fled the scene. Shaken but undeterred, Rosa continued on to her church, where staff members assisted her and contacted emergency services. She was subsequently taken to The Brooklyn Hospital Center for treatment of minor injuries.
The incident sparked outrage and concern over the escalating violence within the city’s subway system. It follows other recent high-profile attacks, including a man being shoved onto subway tracks and a woman being fatally set on fire. These events have heightened anxieties about the safety of the transit network, despite assurances from Governor Kathy Hochul. The attack on Rosa, in particular, highlights the vulnerability of older individuals, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures and the prevalence of such crimes.
Despite the trauma of the experience, Rosa displayed remarkable forgiveness towards her attackers. She attributed their actions to youthful foolishness and expressed empathy for their lack of understanding of the consequences of their actions. However, she also emphasized the pervasiveness of crime in New York City, noting that anyone can be a target, regardless of age or location. Her words resonate with the concerns of many New Yorkers who feel increasingly unsafe in their city.
The NYPD released surveillance footage of the four suspects smiling as they passed through subway turnstiles prior to the attack. They remain at large, and authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying and apprehending them. The incident has reignited calls for increased police presence in the subway system and improved safety measures to protect commuters. Rosa’s bravery in the face of danger has not only drawn attention to the ongoing safety concerns but has also inspired many with her resilience and refusal to be intimidated. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing New York City as it grapples with rising crime rates and seeks to restore a sense of security for its residents.
