Fact Check: Man attacked woman and baby as subway train approached Court Square station
What We Know
On June 20, 2025, a woman and her 11-month-old baby were attacked on a subway train in Queens, New York. The incident occurred as the M train approached the Court Square-23rd Street station. According to reports, the attack was initiated when the woman declined a request from a man to use her phone while they were waiting on the platform. Subsequently, as they boarded the train, the man allegedly pepper-sprayed both the woman and her baby before fleeing the scene (NBC New York, ABC7). The victims were taken to a hospital for evaluation but were expected to recover (NBC New York).
Analysis
The claim that a man attacked a woman and her baby on a subway train as it approached the Court Square station is supported by multiple reliable news sources. Reports from NBC New York and ABC7 provide consistent details about the incident, including the sequence of events leading up to the attack and the nature of the assault. Both sources confirm that the attacker used pepper spray, which aligns with the mother's account of the incident.
Additionally, a report from the New York Post corroborates these details, stating that the attack occurred around 11 a.m. on the M train, further establishing the timeline of the event. The consistency across these reputable news outlets lends credibility to the claim.
While the initial request for the phone and the subsequent attack may seem unusual, such incidents can occur in public spaces where individuals may feel emboldened to act aggressively. The victim's description of the assailant as having "come out of nowhere" adds to the chaotic nature of the event, which is not uncommon in sudden assaults.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a man attacked a woman and her baby as a subway train approached Court Square station is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The details provided by these reports align closely, confirming the occurrence of the attack and the use of pepper spray. Given the consistency and reliability of the sources, the claim can be considered true.
