Slashings, assaults on NYC subway system continue as questions about system's safety grow

Two people were slashed, and one punched, as an New York City subway train moved through lower Manhattan on May 14 — the latest in a string of ongoing assaults and attacks on the mass transit system. 

NYPD officers are now searching for two suspects in the early morning attack, according to reports. 

The first incident happened around 4:30 a.m. near Union Square, where a 44-year-old was slashed. Minutes later, the same train approached a nearby station and a 41-year-old man was punched, according to WCBS. 

Then, as the Subway approached the next station, another 44-year-old man was slashed. 

The attacks follow several violent incidents in the subway system on May 12, including two in the popular Times Square station. Around 8:50 a.m., a suspect slashed a 35-year-old man on the left side of his face inside the station, according to the NYPD. 

That victim suffered a severe laceration.

A transit worker was also punched a few hours earlier, and that suspect fled the scene, according to WCBS.

High-profile attacks have been happening on the city’s subway system since ridership increased as COVID-19 restrictions ease.  

Some have questioned the system’s safety and called for more police. NYPD added hundreds of officers to the system to help quell the attack and ensure riders they are safe. 

"We won’t stand for these acts of violence in our subways. Detectives are pursuing all leads & these criminals will be brought to justice," the NYPD transit unit posted on social media on May 14.