Sex Offender Who Slashed Gay Man Hit with Hate Crime Charges

Attacked Man Inside Subway Car Over Drag Shows Remarks

Milton Hamlin, 46, was charged with hate crimes during a slashing on the subway. -Photo by NYPD

By Dan Gesslein

Manhattan Voice

April 9, 2024

MANHATTAN - Prosecutors charged a registered sex offender with assault and hate crime charges in a Manhattan court for allegedly slashing a man on the subway while making homophobic remarks. 

Milton Hamlin, 46, charged in the vicious slashing of a man on the A Train last month. Hamlin was charged with one count each of attempted assault in the first degree as a hate crime; assault in the second degree as a hate crime and assault in the third degree as a hate crime.

“As alleged, Milton Hamlin viciously and without provocation, spewed derogatory remarks before attacking a man because of his sexual orientation,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Subway riders deserve to be safe while using our transit system, and we do not tolerate attacks rooted in discrimination. My office will work to pursue full accountability in this case and I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”   

According to the indictment, at around 11 pm on March 1, Hamlin was sitting inside a subway car near the victim and his husband on the A Train in Midtown. The couple was discussing a drag show they had attended that night when Hamlin allegedly became enraged. 

Hamlin then yelled at the couple words to the effect “F*ggot, gay, motherf—,” the indictment quotes the victim. 

Prosecutors said Hamlin then pulled out a sharp object and lunged at the couple. The victim put up his hand to cover his neck and was slashed across the hand and neck. 

Prosecutors said the wound was so deep on the victim’s hand that four stitches were need to close it. 

The attacker fled the train but not before his image was caught on a subway rider’s cellphone. Cops released the image of the suspected slasher and Hamlin was arrested a few days later. 

In court, Hamlin pleaded not guilty.