71-Year-Old Woman Fiercely Defends Herself Against Teen Assailants in NYC Subway on New Year’s Day

NEW YORK CITY, January 5, 2025 – In a remarkable display of courage, 71-year-old Linda Rosa, a retired MTA worker, fought off an attempted robbery by four teenage girls while heading to a New Year’s Day church service in Brooklyn. The incident took place shortly after she exited a No. 3 train at the Hoyt Street station around 6 p.m. on January 1st, 2025.

According to reports, as Rosa was making her way through the turnstile, one of the girls attempted to snatch her purse. Rosa, determined not to be a victim, stood her ground, declaring to herself, “Oh, no, this is not going to happen today.” The confrontation escalated when another teen joined in, taunting Rosa by asking if she wanted to fight. Despite being struck in the face, which resulted in a cut on her nose and her glasses falling to the ground, Rosa managed to wrestle with her attackers, even grabbing one by her braids to pull her down.

In the scuffle, one of the assailants managed to take a pocket pouch containing Rosa’s identification and medical records, but Rosa’s resilience was undeterred; she held onto her purse and fought back until the teens fled the scene when she threatened to call the police. Rosa then proceeded to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church for assistance, where the staff called 911. She was subsequently treated at The Brooklyn Hospital Center for minor injuries.

Rosa’s bravery was underscored by her statement of forgiveness, “I forgive them. They do not know what they do. They don’t know what they did. It’s just teenagers acting foolish.” Despite the physical assault, Rosa expressed gratitude for not suffering more severe injuries, stating, “Thank God they didn’t have no weapons. I thank God I didn’t have a heart attack and a stroke and die!”

The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspects but as of the latest update, they remain at large. This incident has sparked further discussion about safety in New York City’s subway system, highlighting the vulnerability of seniors to crime, especially during the holiday season.

This attack is part of a broader concern about crime in NYC’s transit system, with recent statistics showing a surge in violent incidents, including assaults and robberies. Rosa’s story has been shared widely on social media, with many commending her for her courage and resilience in the face of danger.

The community and law enforcement continue to seek information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects involved in this disturbing event. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline.