Bizarre 6’3” man spits on a woman in the NYC subway, then chases her yelling:‘Why are you scared of me?’
No place is safe.
New York City subway has always had its share of character. But a recent viral story is highlighting a much darker reality for women navigating the underground. TikTok creator Samantha Mennella (@sammennella) shared a terrifying account of a subway assault that has reached over 1 million viewers. And it could happen to anyone.
Samantha’s story echoes the vulnerability many feel during their daily commute. Two weeks ago, Samantha was sitting on a train, minding her own business, when she noticed a man standing uncomfortably close in her peripheral vision. What followed was a targeted act of aggression that has sparked a massive debate about city safety and the bystander effect.
The ‘Loogie’ assault in the subway and the platform chase
The incident began when the man intentionally spat a “huge loogie” onto Samantha’s chest. When she didn’t initially move out of fear, he did it a second time. When she finally jumped up to move to the other side of the car, the man followed her, screaming in her face, “Why are you f***ing scared of me?.”
The nightmare continued onto the platform at Brooklyn Bridge. Samantha attempted to speed-walk away, but the 6’3″ man stayed just a few feet behind her, still screaming. At one point, she was forced into a terrifying “dance” around wooden benches. She even hid behind another commuter, trying to keep a physical barrier between herself and her harasser.
Everyone was silent and no one helped her
Perhaps the most depressing part of the story is the reaction, or lack thereof, from the people around her. Samantha recalls everyone on the platform staring at the commotion, yet no one intervened. In a desperate move, she stood behind a male stranger and looked at him for help. His response? A non-committal “Mmm” and a refusal to get involved.
It is a shame in the face of the “New York Strong” community spirit. Samantha concluded that “everyone is just as scared of this person as you are.” So, victims are left to fend for themselves in such high-stakes situations. This silence is often attributed to “bystander apathy” or a genuine fear of escalation. But for the person being hunted on a platform, it feels like a total abandonment.
Did Samantha handle the subway situation correctly?
In a situation where a 6’3″ man is targeting you, “right” is whatever keeps you alive. And Samantha followed several key safety instincts. Initially, she avoided looking him in the eye to prevent escalating a “crazy” situation. Then, she used benches and even other people to put distance between herself and the aggressor.
Another good move was to keep moving. Samantha didn’t let herself get cornered and ran for the next train as soon as it pulled up. Even though it failed, her attempt to involve another person was the correct tactical move to try and break the harasser’s focus.
At the end, the New York 6 train came as her savior and she finally managed to get out of the man’s sight.
How to stay vigilant and prepared on the subway
Samantha’s experience has led her to urge all women to be prepared with some form of self-defense. If you find yourself in a similar situation, always trust your gut. If someone feels weird in your peripheral vision, move to another car immediately before things escalate. But if you are still being followed, shout “Help!” or “Call 911!” specifically at someone to break the bystander effect.
Even then, it’s important to carry legal self-defense tools. Consider carrying handy things like pepper spray (where permitted) or personal safety alarms that emit a high-pitched siren. Some women suggest wearing headphones (with no music) and sunglasses to look “unapproachable.” Though, Samantha’s story shows that sometimes, even looking at your phone isn’t enough to prevent being a target.
Safety shouldn’t be a solo mission
Samantha’s story, however, goes to disprove that the subway is “fine” as long as you mind your own business. When a woman can be spat on and chased through a major transit hub while people watch like it’s a show, the system has fundamentally failed. So, you have to take matters in your own hands till the legal limit.
The NYPD Transit Bureau, on their part, should increase patrols at the stations. But until then, stay vigilant, stay prepared, and remember that in this city, your best defense is often yourself.
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