Fifty women have fallen victim to random attacks by strangers in the lower half of Manhattan this year, according to a statement by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny of the NYPD. The majority of the assailants appear to be homeless individuals in need of mental health assistance, Kenny stated during a press conference at One Police Plaza on Tuesday. While these attacks are not considered a trend, some have gained significant attention due to victims sharing their experiences on social media platforms.
Out of the 50 female victims, 37 were attacked on the streets, while 13 incidents occurred within the transit system. The attacks varied in nature, with some victims being punched and others struck with objects. Law enforcement has managed to make arrests in 14 of the cases.
Chief Kenny emphasized that this is not a new phenomenon but is being reported more frequently and receiving greater publicity due to social media. He encouraged victims to come forward and report incidents, as it aids in apprehending the perpetrators.
In a notable incident, social influencer Halley McGookin, known as “Halley Kate” on TikTok, tearfully shared a video recounting being randomly punched in the face on March 25 in Chelsea. The video has garnered 5.2 million likes. Two days later, the police arrested Skiboky Stora, a former mayoral candidate, charging him with assault and harassment. Stora also faced charges related to two previous attacks in Manhattan.
Another victim, Mikayla Toninato, described her shock when she was punched in the face by an unknown man in Union Square on March 26. Stephanie Weng, a marketing professional from the Financial District, expressed feeling unsafe knowing that the man who assaulted her near Union Square on March 20 remains at large.
The total number of random attacks in 2024 stands at 95, representing a 12.8% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. However, Chief Kenny did not provide data on the number of female victims during the same timeframe last year.
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There are no errors or inaccuracies in the post. However, to support the claim made by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, it would be helpful to provide a credible source. Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I don’t have real-time access to current news articles or police statements. It is recommended to search for recent news articles or official police reports from reputable sources such as local news outlets or the official website of the New York Police Department (NYPD) to find the most up-to
1. Stay aware of your surroundings: Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone in public areas. Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones, as they can make you an easy target.
2. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut instinct and take necessary precautions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Walk confidently: Projecting confidence can deter potential attackers. Walk with purpose, maintain good posture, and make eye contact