A couple visiting New York said they were harassed and spat at by a stranger while waiting for their train at Penn Station. The man had reportedly been causing a scene inside one of the shops before turning his attention to the couple, who were minding their own business. A video showing parts of the encounter was posted on TikTok. The incident sparked outrage online, though the criticism focused less on the stranger’s behavior and more on how the police responded.
According to the couple, the man had been yelling inside a shop at the station. When he eventually came outside, he started walking “aggressively” in their direction. They claimed he passed directly in front of them and spat toward them.
The video showed the man wearing black pants, a black top, and a hoodie. He appeared agitated as he walked around the station and seemed to be shouting at no one in particular. When he passed the couple, he yelled a vulgar word at them, and a confrontation immediately followed.
The man accompanying the woman grabbed the stranger by his hoodie and shouted back at him. The stranger managed to pull away but continued yelling the same insult while making a lewd gesture toward the couple.
The situation drew the attention of security officers, but the stranger ran away before they could stop him.
Police officers later arrived at the scene and spoke with the couple. After hearing their account of what happened, the officers told them they could file a police report.
However, the couple said they were unhappy that the stranger had been allowed to leave without being questioned or detained. When they asked why no one had stopped him, one officer reportedly explained that he needed to witness the violation himself before taking action.
Viewers Criticize Police Response to Penn Station Incident
Several viewers criticized how the situation was handled, particularly the police response.
“THESE COPS ARE JOKES,” one viewer remarked. Another said, “I’m so sick of the police letting these people just roam free. why do we accept this?” Someone else commented, “It’s a shame they don’t do anything.”
Some people claimed they had encountered similar situations at the station, with one person even saying they recognized the man in the video. “That guy is always around there trying to assault ppl. I had to speed walk away because he was aggressively following me.” Another shared, “This is why I stopped going… crazies are always hanging around there. Such a shame.”
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Other commenters blamed New York’s Democratic officials for the incident. “Thanks Kathy Hochul,” one viewer sarcastically wrote. “This is what happens when u vote left,” another said. “This is what the Democrats voted for. Enjoy it,” a third mocked. “Keep voting blue and keep the streets and subways unsafe,” a fourth added.
The couple claimed that the officers told them it was not the first time the man had been reported for harassing people. They called it “shameful” that he was not facing any consequences. In the caption of their TikTok post, they advised anyone passing through the area to remain vigilant and pay attention to their surroundings.
