Fact Check: Woman and baby pepper-sprayed on Queens subway for refusing phone request
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. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. when a man approached the mother and asked to use her cell phone. When she declined his request, he allegedly sprayed a substance, initially believed to be pepper spray, into her face and on her arm. Some of the spray also affected the infant. Both the mother and daughter were taken to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital and were reported to be in stable condition following the incident (New York Post, Hoodline, Audacy).
The assailant, described as having a slim build and wearing a black sweatshirt, fled the scene and had not been apprehended by the time of reporting (New York Post, Hoodline).
Analysis
The claim that a woman and her baby were pepper-sprayed after refusing a phone request is supported by multiple credible sources. The incident was reported by major news outlets, including the New York Post and Hoodline, which provided consistent details about the event, including the circumstances leading to the attack and the condition of the victims.
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism. The New York Post is a well-known tabloid that covers a wide range of news, while Hoodline focuses on local news and community events. Both outlets have reported the incident in a straightforward manner, citing police sources and eyewitness accounts.
However, it is important to note that the exact nature of the substance used in the attack was initially described as "mystery" and "believed to be pepper spray," indicating that while the reports are consistent, there may be some uncertainty regarding the specifics of the substance used (New York Post, Hoodline).
Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented, the claim that a woman and her baby were pepper-sprayed on a Queens subway for refusing a phone request is True. Multiple reliable sources corroborate the details of the incident, including the circumstances leading to the attack and the condition of the victims. While there is some ambiguity regarding the exact nature of the substance used, the core facts of the event are well-supported.
