On July 17, 2019, a tragic incident occurred on a New York City subway train that left a man dead. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Michael Griffith, was allegedly choked by another passenger during a dispute over a seat. Despite the severity of the incident, no charges were filed against the suspect, leaving many to question the justice system’s handling of the case.
According to reports, Griffith and the suspect were both riding on a southbound A train when the altercation occurred. The suspect, who has not been identified, reportedly became angry when Griffith refused to move his backpack from an empty seat next to him. The situation escalated quickly, with the suspect allegedly grabbing Griffith by the neck and choking him until he lost consciousness.
Other passengers on the train attempted to intervene and called for help, but it was too late. Griffith was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspect was taken into custody for questioning. However, despite the severity of the incident, no charges were filed against the suspect.
The decision not to press charges has been met with widespread criticism and outrage. Many have pointed out that choking someone is a violent act that can cause serious harm or even death. In this case, it did result in death, yet no charges were filed against the suspect.
Some have speculated that the lack of charges may be due to a lack of evidence or witnesses. However, others have pointed out that there were multiple witnesses to the incident and that surveillance footage from the train could have been used as evidence.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety of public transportation in New York City. While incidents like this are rare, they do happen, and many are calling for increased security measures on trains and buses.
In response to the incident, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to increase police presence on trains and buses. The agency has also launched a campaign encouraging passengers to report any incidents of violence or harassment they witness on public transportation.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, many are still calling for more to be done to ensure the safety of passengers. The incident involving Michael Griffith was a tragic reminder of the dangers that can exist on public transportation, and it is up to all of us to work together to make it safer for everyone.
