Nina Rothschild, senior scientist at the New York Department of Health (DOH), beaten 13 times in the head with a hammer entering the New York Subway, she remains hospitalized in critical condition since the attack on Thursday night, while the NYPD searches for her attacker, who also took her bag.
The 57 year old victim was alert and woke up today, Saturday, “mentally intact” despite the brutal beatings, and also remembers the details of the shocking assault and robbery, his brother Gerson Rothschild (54).
The DOH research scientist was entering the Queens Plaza station around 11: 20 pm Thursday, when the assailant attacked her from behind. The assault was recorded by security cameras: caution is recommended when observing the dramatic images.
City DOH Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi visited the victim in the hospital yesterday, his brother said, as the NYPD announced a reward of up to $3,500 dollars for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
This violent robbery was the latest in a series of robberies subways, with an increase of 61% in serious crimes in the Metro according to the latest police figures from 2022. “This is an unprovoked, brutal and heinous crime against a woman who was just trying to get home from work,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig. “A woman who dedicated her life to helping others.”
In a similar episode, an immigrant mother died last summer after spending weeks in intensive care after hitting her head when she fell during a robbery at a station in Chinatown.
It is not clear if the attacker is homeless, but Mayor Eric Adams announced yesterday that the encampments of homeless people living in the Metro, such as part of a new security plan in trains, stations and buses.
Not carried out arrests for Thursday assault. Anyone with information should call 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) and in Spanish 1-888-57-CLUE (74782). Also through crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by text message to 274637 (CRIMES), followed by TIP577. All communications are strictly confidential.