NEW YORK, NY – The bustling streets of SoHo, known for their chic atmosphere and vibrant energy, witnessed a shocking incident that left the community on edge. Police say two women were attacked in separate incidents by a homeless man wielding a bottle, casting a shadow over the normally peaceful neighborhood.
On a Monday afternoon, authorities reported that 46-year-old Muslim Brunson struck a 29-year-old woman with a bottle. Fortunately, she was unharmed and managed to flee the scene. However, a subsequent attack by Brunson left a 25-year-old woman critically injured after being slashed with a broken bottle. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
Witnesses in the area expressed heightened concerns for their safety, emphasizing the need for vigilance. “I just watched my back. I’m very cautious all the time,” said one local resident, reflecting the anxiety now permeating the community.
Brunson’s arrest has uncovered a troubling history of violent behavior, particularly targeting women. According to police sources, in October 2023, he allegedly pushed a woman into a moving train, a harrowing incident she narrowly survived. A year prior, Brunson was apprehended for shoving another woman into a metal pillar on a subway platform.
The NYPD has charged Brunson with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, and weapons possession. Officers continue to comb through the neighborhood for additional evidence and video footage to piece together the sequence of events.
The unsettling attacks have reignited concerns over safety in urban areas, especially for women. “Unfortunately, I just feel like women especially have to be really on their toes about where they are and their surroundings,” another resident lamented.
Such incidents highlight the challenges faced by cities in addressing issues related to homelessness and mental health. A friend of one victim noted a similar attack in the East Village, describing the assailant as “obviously mentally disturbed,” underscoring a broader societal issue that demands attention.
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath, seeking reassurance and solutions to prevent further violence. The attacks serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability that can disrupt even the most serene environments.