Man Slashed on NYC No. 6 Subway Train Near Flatiron in Suspected Hate Crime

Hate Crime Slashing on NYC Subway: Man Targeted With Gay Slurs on No. 6 Train Near Flatiron

By Dan Gesslein 

Manhattan Voice 

January 15, 2026

NEW YORK, NY — A routine subway ride through Manhattan turned violent last week when a 28-year-old man was slashed across the face during, what police say, is being investigated as a possible hate crime attack on a New York City subway train.

According to the NYPD, the incident happened around 8 p.m. on January 10 aboard a southbound No. 6 train approaching the 23rd Street Station near the Flatiron District. Investigators say the victim was suddenly confronted by a man dressed entirely in black, sparking an argument that quickly escalated.

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Police report that the suspect hurled anti-gay slurs at the victim before becoming enraged. Without warning, the attacker allegedly slashed the victim across the right side of his face with a sharp, unknown object, leaving him bleeding inside the subway car.

The suspect then jumped off the train and fled, disappearing into the station before officers arrived.

Emergency medical services rushed the injured straphanger to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for a facial wound. Authorities did not release further details about his condition but confirmed he survived the attack.

As the investigation continues, the NYPD released subway surveillance video showing the suspect inside the station. Police describe him as wearing a black jacket, black pants, and black sneakers, with his face concealed by a black ski mask.

The case is now being handled by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged bias-motivated attack.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the No. 6 train slashing near 23rd Street to come forward.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the

Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. 

All calls are confidential.

As subway violence and hate-crime incidents remain a concern for many New Yorkers, police say even small details from witnesses could help identify and locate the suspect.