A New York City subway cellist, Iain Forrest, has announced he will no longer perform in stations after a recent assault, the second in less than a year. Forrest says he cannot continue performing without greater protection for musicians in the city’s transit system.
Forrest, a medical student at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, was performing at the 34th Street-Herald Square station when he was struck in the head with his own water bottle.
In a social media update, the Asian American musician expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received and highlighted the ongoing investigation: “‘Thank you for the overwhelming support and kind messages…The woman who attacked me is still out there and the NYPD is on it.'”
He also emphasized the frequency of attacks against subway musicians and the need for change: “‘Two attacks in less than a year is two too much. I have been punched, choked, and now bashed in the head…Unfortunately, many other musicians who perform in the subway have been attacked, harassed, robbed… The MTA and NYPD do NOT track stats of crimes against subway musicians. This has to change to know where, when, and why these attacks happen. Then police resources can be smartly allocated to prevent attacks.'”
Forrest has formed the Subway Performers Advocacy Group (SPAG) and is urging fellow musicians to join in demanding better security measures from the city. SPAG aims to work with the MTA and the NYPD to track crime statistics against musicians so police resources can be effectively allocated to prevent future incidents.
The MTA, in a statement, condemned the violence: “No one in the transit system, including the musicians, should be subjected to violence, and when the NYPD catches up to the person who committed this senseless attack they will be held accountable.”
The NYPD has released new video footage of the suspect, offering a clearer image, in hopes of identifying the assailant. The attack occurred last Tuesday around 5:45 p.m. at the 34th Street-Herald Square station and Crime Stoppers is offering up to $3,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Forrest is part of the MTA’s Music Under New York program and had a successful career that included performances at Radio City Music Hall and Yankee Stadium. He remains uncertain about returning to subway performances but is committed to continuing to make music accessible to his audience.
The NYPD is searching for the woman responsible for the attack and has released security footage of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline by calling (800) 577-TIPS or texting 274637 and entering TIP577.
