Vigilantes Intervene to Stop Assailant on NYC Train Platform

A viral video captured a harrowing incident in New York City where a group of vigilantes intervened to stop a man assaulting a woman on a train platform. The 42-year-old suspect, Franklin Marshall of Queens, allegedly followed a 20-year-old woman onto the Manhattan-bound J train platform at Norwood Avenue on Sunday morning. Marshall began verbally harassing and physically grabbing the woman, prompting her to scream for help.
Several men who witnessed the attack demanded Marshall release the woman, but he refused and tackled her to the ground. The vigilantes then intervened, physically restraining Marshall and shouting at him to stop. Their actions allowed the woman to escape unharmed, though she sustained minor injuries to her stomach, arms, and shoulders.
Marshall was arrested at the scene, and police found a knife and blackjack in his possession. He faces charges including third-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted assault, and harassment. Despite these charges, Marshall was granted supervised release due to New York’s bail laws.
The incident highlights the potential consequences of not intervening in such situations and underscores the bravery of the vigilantes who acted to protect the woman.

Published: 7/4/2025