Fact Check: "25-year-old woman and 11-month-old baby attacked on subway train"
What We Know
On June 20, 2025, a 25-year-old woman and her 11-month-old daughter were attacked on a subway train in Queens, New York. The incident occurred on the M train as it approached the Court Square-23rd Street station. According to reports, the attack was initiated when a man asked to use the woman's phone, and upon her refusal, he sprayed her and her baby with what was initially believed to be pepper spray (NBC New York, New York Post). Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai Queens for evaluation and were reported to be in stable condition (ABC 7).
Analysis
The details surrounding the incident have been corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. All reports consistently describe the sequence of events: the man approached the woman on the subway platform, asked to borrow her phone, and when she declined, he attacked her and her child with a spray. The use of a substance that caused burning sensations in both the mother and child has been confirmed, with initial assessments identifying it as pepper spray (New York Post, ABC 7).
The credibility of the sources is strong, as they are established news outlets with a history of accurate reporting. However, it is important to note that while the substance was initially referred to as "mystery" or "unknown," it was later clarified to be pepper spray based on the victims' descriptions of their symptoms (NBC New York).
The police are actively investigating the incident, and the assailant remains at large, which adds a layer of urgency to the situation. The emotional impact on the victims, particularly the mother, has also been highlighted in interviews, indicating a significant psychological effect from the attack (ABC 7).
Conclusion
The claim that a 25-year-old woman and her 11-month-old baby were attacked on a subway train is True. The incident has been reported by multiple reliable sources, and the details of the attack have been consistently corroborated. The victims were treated for their injuries and are expected to recover, though the psychological impact of the attack remains a concern.
Sources
- NYC subway delays after woman, baby pepper-sprayed on M train - NBC New York
- Stranger sprays mystery substance in face of mom, 25, and daughter, 11 - New York Post
- NYC mother and baby pepper sprayed on subway after man asked to use her phone - ABC 7
- Woman, baby sprayed with 'unknown substance' after cellphone dispute on subway - amNY