NEW YORK – There is a cloak of fear gripping women across New York City as a deeply disturbing trend of random assaults against them has emerged in recent weeks. Countless women have come forward on social media sharing photos of their bruised and battered faces, the aftermath of being punched squarely by strangers for no apparent reason as they walked along city streets.
The attacks have gained widespread viral attention, particularly on TikTok, where unsettling video accounts have poured in from victims. Among the most chilling was posted by social media influencer Halley Kate, who has over 1 million followers. “I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face,” she said through tears, showing her swollen cheek near the intersection of West 16th Street and 7th Avenue. “Oh my god, it hurts so bad.”
In just three days, her video detailing the harrowing March 27th assault racked up a staggering 47 million views and brought the issue into the national spotlight. Ms. Kate is far from alone – her video struck a nerve with thousands of other New York women who have experienced similar random attacks in recent months.
“It’s absolutely terrifying,” said Samantha Ro, 28, who was punched in the face by a stranger in late February while walking her dog in the East Village. “I’ve lived in this city my whole life and have never felt so unsafe just existing in public spaces.”
Authorities have zeroed in on one key suspect believed to be behind many of the assaults – 40-year-old Brooklyn resident Skiboky Stora. He was arrested on March 29th, charged with the attack against Halley Kate after the influencer’s video led to multiple witnesses identifying him.
But the NYPD fears the violence may be more widespread. Investigators are looking into at least a dozen other random assaults with eerily similar fact patterns throughout Manhattan, including one on March 23rd where a woman was slapped on the forehead by an assailant in a red jacket caught on video near West 42nd Street. That suspect remains at large.
“We take these incidents extremely seriously, and our investigators are working tirelessly to identify those responsible and bring them to justice,” said NYPD spokesperson Michael Baldridge. “At the same time, we urgently advise all New Yorkers to remain vigilant of their surroundings.”
For many women, the sir of unease on city streets is all too familiar, harkening back to stretches in past years when New York grappled with criminal activity like the so-called “Knockout Game” – where individuals would attempt to knock out unsuspecting victims with a single punch. While motivations behind the current rash of violence remain unclear, the fear and anguish inflicted is deeply personal.
“I felt like I was targeted for being a young woman alone,” recounted Mikayla Toninato, 27, who suffered a black eye from an assailant who she says punched her without provocation in the West Village on March 21st. “It’s the sickest feeling of vulnerability to realize there are people who want to do harm just because of who you are.”
The viral videos and advocacy from victims has raised citywide awareness, with women’s rights groups staging multiple protests and safety workshops in recent days to denounce the attacks. On social media, hashtags like #ProtectNYCWomen have become online rallying cries in a collective call for action.
While the NYPD has increased patrols in high-incident areas, many New Yorkers worry that broader systemic issues around crime and accountability must be addressed to achieve any lasting change.
“There’s no doubt these attacks are rooted in deep misogyny and hatred toward women,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “As a city we have to face that harsh truth head-on, while also taking concrete steps through policing, bystander intervention and policy to make our public spaces safe for all New Yorkers.”
In the meantime, women across the five boroughs are taking precautions – sticking to main streets, avoiding isolated areas, warily eyeing those around them as they walk. The once freeing act of moving independently through their city now cloaked in apprehension and distrust.
“I’ve been here over a decade and have never felt this degree of vulnerability on the streets,” said Brooklyn resident Sara Kelly, 34, summing up the sentiments of countless others. “New York is supposed to be one of the safest big cities in America – but right now, as a woman, I don’t feel that way at all.”
