A terrifying moment on a Brooklyn subway platform ended with commuters taking matters into their own hands to stop a man from harming a young woman.

Multiple subway riders stepped in to restrain and strike a knife-wielding man on Sunday morning after he allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman at Brooklyn's Norwood Avenue station Fox News reports.

The incident unfolded around 9 a.m. on July 6 at the Norwood Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, New York. According to police, the suspect -- later identified as Fredrick Marshall, 42, of Queens -- approached a woman he did not know from behind and forcefully bear-hugged her before pushing her forward on the platform. The woman screamed loudly, repeatedly calling out, “Stop, stop, help.”

Marshall stood out due to his bulky build and his clothing -- a white suit, sunglasses, and a white baseball cap -- yet his motivations remain unknown. The woman, shaken and alarmed, managed to escape momentarily and catch her breath after his initial attempt. But the situation escalated again shortly afterward when Marshall reportedly lunged toward her for a second time.

What happened next marked a dramatic turn in the incident. A witness on the platform reacted quickly and tripped Marshall as he approached the woman, sending him crashing headfirst onto the ground. That act triggered a group response, with several subway travelers jumping in to prevent him from continuing the attack.

Multiple riders subdue suspect

As Marshall lay stunned on the platform, bystanders began striking him in self-defense and out of a desire to protect the victim and others nearby. Witnesses used their feet and a stick to keep him on the ground before officers arrived on the scene. The woman, still in distress, fled the platform during the commotion. In her rush to escape, she lost one of her sneakers.

Emergency Medical Services treated the woman at the location for minor injuries to her arms and stomach, along with shoulder pain. Marshall was taken into police custody shortly thereafter.

Upon investigation, officers discovered he was carrying a knife and a blackjack at the time of the assault.

Authorities confirmed that Marshall had no documented criminal history in New York City prior to this incident. He now faces multiple charges including two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree assault, and second-degree harassment.

Viral video shows attack, response

Footage of the incident captured by a bystander has since gone viral. TikTok user @nicabori5 posted a video showing the woman’s scream, the confrontation, and the crowd’s reaction. As of Monday, the post had amassed nearly 7 million views on the platform.

Online, viewers widely praised the bystanders for their courage. “This is how our men are supposed to respond,” one user commented, garnering more than 170,000 likes. Another wrote, “Boy moms, make sure you are raising men like this who protect our daughters from depraved.” That comment included a heartfelt reaction to hearing the victim call for her mother at the conclusion of the video.

Not all moments of citizen intervention are captured on tape, but in this case, the video has become part of the evidence and conversation surrounding street harassment and community protection. The video concludes with Marshall still lying on the platform after being subdued by the group, highlighting the effectiveness of their response.

Lessons to learn

1. Stay aware of your surroundings. Whether walking or waiting in public areas, remain conscious of who is nearby and how they behave. This vigilance can buy critical moments if you sense danger, though no amount of alertness can fully prevent a crime.

2. React quickly and seek help. The woman’s loud screams brought attention instantly to her situation. Calling for help and making noise can alert others and potentially stop an attack in progress.

3. Community involvement matters. While stepping in during a violent incident can be dangerous, when multiple people act together, they may be able to effectively protect someone in peril. Still, safety should always be a priority, and no one should ever be blamed for being a victim.

Why this story matters

This case is a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in public spaces.

It shows the importance of community responsiveness during times of crisis.

Stories like this bring attention to both the risks people face daily and the worth of collective protection and accountability.