Queens subway attacker admits to slashing strangers, saying, “Yeah, that’s me.”

A recent incident at a Queens subway station has drawn attention after a 27-year-old homeless man allegedly attacked three strangers within a brief 15-minute span. Tyquan Manassa is accused of slashing two individuals and slapping a bystander on the Manhattan-bound E train platform at the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities state that Manassa candidly admitted to his actions when confronted by detectives. Prosecutors revealed that after viewing video footage from the platform, he reportedly acknowledged the crimes, expressing that he was “having a bad day” at the time of the assaults.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the random violence exhibited by Manassa represents a significant concern for public safety, particularly within the mass transit system. Katz emphasized the need for vigorous prosecution against individuals who perpetrate violence against commuters. Witness accounts indicate that the two victims, who were simply waiting for the train, were approached by Manassa without provocation and slashed in the face.

The victims were identified as a 42-year-old man who sustained serious facial injuries requiring 16 stitches, and Carlos Plasencia, 50, who was attacked while on his way to work. Plasencia reported that he was struck above the eyebrow and required seven stitches to close the wound. He recounted the chaotic scene, noting that Manassa appeared to be under the influence and was randomly attacking people.

After the violent outbursts, Manassa fled the scene, but surveillance footage captured his actions, prompting a police manhunt. Shortly thereafter, he was apprehended at the shelter where he had been staying on Randall’s Island. Upon arrest, officers realized he was wanted for the earlier assaults.

In a brief arraignment hearing, Judge Anthony Battisti ordered Manassa held on 0,000 bail. He faces several charges, including multiple counts of assault and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

Manassa’s criminal history is notable, with over a dozen prior arrests linked predominantly to misdemeanor assaults and criminal mischief since 2014. A police source indicated that he has exhibited mental health challenges over the years, including frequent emotional outbursts, and has been subjected to requests for psychological evaluations, though it remains unclear if he has an officially diagnosed mental illness.

This alarming incident underscores the complexities surrounding mental health and public safety, as communities continue to grapple with violent crimes in transit systems.