DA Eric Gonzalez and transit union issue PSAs to denounce subway attacks

September 26, 2018 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez recorded a subway PSA this week that reminds passengers that assaulting a transit employee carries with it a penalty of up to seven years in prison. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

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After a subway conductor was viciously attacked on the A train this past August, transit leaders have come together to denounce such attacks. They now have a vocal ally in Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

After the attack in August, MTA CEO Andy Byford and Tony Utano of TWU Local 100 announced a plan to post wanted posters all over the subway system, alerting passengers to alleged assault perpetrators. They also called for body cameras for transit workers.

This week, Gonzalez joined part of their public outreach effort by recording a PSA with Utano.

“You’ve heard about these vicious assaults on bus operators and subway conductors,” Gonzalez said in the PSA. “That’s why I’m joining with TWU Local 100, because these violent assaults must stop. Just like police, fire and sanitation — transit workers provide an essential service to our great city.”

Assaulting a transit worker is a Class D felony charge that carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison. In 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that extended that punishment from assaulting a train and bus operator to cover all transit employees.

“Assaulting a NYC transit worker is a felony and if it happens in Brooklyn I will aggressively prosecute these cases,” Gonzalez said. “If you witness an assault do not stay silent. Safety on our transit system is everyone’s job.”