Glenmont redline racist incident march 30th, 2023

Submitted by Key_Ad_7299 t3_126xjmd in washingtondc

hello, dont have any posts so dont know too much about posting etiquette and dont know if this will be taken down, but me and my friend need some help

my friend and i were the only asian people around in the back of a metro car on the glenmont red train around 1pm today March 30th (white puffer jacket with short brown pants and white shoes + my friend had black leggings and a long brown puffer coat) and were yelled at and threatened by a 5’6” black man in black pants, red shoes and a beige reebok sweatshirt

he was saying things like “ching chong ni hao” and “im going to push you into the train” and “im going to follow you” as we walked away

he got off the train as well as us. he started to yell “did anybody hear her say fuck” and such we continued to walk away with two women for help and went up the platform escalator (thank you to the two women who walked with us after we got off the train! i hope you both can see this we’re very thankful)

we started to run up the escalator leading outside as we heard him yelling and coming closer after we went thru the metro payment gate

we hid in the nearby macys afterwards

if anybody was around and witnessed what happened please dm me

thank you!

Edit: some additional clarifying details after some time to collect ourselves!

  • happened between 12:58pm - 01:10pm
  • between dupont circle -> metro center, he got on at farrugut north and the incident happened right after that on the train and then off the train as he followed us
  • he had his hood up so we arent sure if he has long hair but he was of a thin build (not very skinny but a little smaller than average) about our height (5’5”/5’4”) so likely 5’6”
  • blue thin layer of material that went around his head like an inner hoodie under his reebok hoodie (likely a balaclava mask)
  • most likely 22 (as stated by the guy), young 20s

Edit2: thank you everybody for the encouraging and supportive comments! Theres a lot of good info in the thread on how to stay safe on the metro and thank you to the people who saw and stood up for us. We’ve talked to Aimee Cho from NBC4 and Matthew Torres from WUSA9 to get more visibility!

  • nbc4 aired at 4pm today and wusa9 will air an interview at 6pm today as well!
  • remember to #stopasianhate! be aware of your surroundings and stay safe

Edit3:

Edit4:

632

Comments

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Gladdy_Voice t1_jecbmxe wrote

I was on that train...I was the tall black lady in front of you when you came to the middle of the train... your right he was very unstable... two men and myself stood up and got between yall two... I notice he had a hospital band on and some micro dreadlocks... when he got off the same stop as me... I was relieved cause I thought yall was still on the train... wish I would have known...sorry that happen to yall

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Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jecgsf5 wrote

omg thank you so much it all happened so fast and kind of saw people were trying get bw us, thank you !!

196

NBCAimee t1_jeeli8h wrote

Hi there - I'm with NBC4 and would love to chat with you today if you have a few mins! I can be reached at aimee.cho@nbcuni.com. Thanks very much

36

scotch_please t1_jebg98l wrote

If you don't already, please consider putting Metro Transit Police's text and call numbers in your phone. If something like this happens again, you can text your train's location (and which way it's going) to the number and tell them you're being threatened with assault. MTP has been a lot more responsive than MPD in my experience and an officer is usually on the train within 1-2 stops.

text: 696873 (MyMTPD)
phone: 202-962-2121

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Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jebgv6r wrote

thank you! we reported the incident to transport police at that number and got in contact with an officer luckily to start a report hopefully theres video at the station bc my friend and i didnt manage to get a video ourselves unfortunately

157

LetThemEatVeganCake t1_jed9non wrote

My husband works for WMATA at HQ and there are folks whose whole job is to review camera footage.

34

IndividualRubs t1_jeenx36 wrote

To add on - pin the number so you can quickly text. When I’ve had to use it, officers responded quickly, and an officer has boarded the train car within a few stops to address the issue.

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[deleted] t1_jeblbsm wrote

[deleted]

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weiers08 t1_jeepttz wrote

Truth! Just intentionally moving and being near the victims of harassment to have another body around helps so much. They could be totally fine on their own but worst case the asshole has to potentially deal with more people .

3

swampoodler t1_jecdn6d wrote

Anti-Asian harassment is such a quiet but large issue in this city.

Thank you for sharing your story and I am sorry this happened to you.

87

sagarnola89 t1_jeewfwa wrote

And in New York, LA, and SF. It's unbelievable how disgustingly common it is around the country, without getting much coverage.

17

mulligansteak t1_jebonty wrote

Contact the Metro Transit Police. Sounds to me like you’re describing a crime (simple assault, at least). There will be video of this person in the station. At the very least their image will be shared with the patrol branch, and this person can be stopped and identified if they’re seen. Other comments suggest this is a known pattern, which only raises the likelihood they’ll be identified. Edit: if you were on a 7K rail car, there’s likely video of you all in the rail car, too, which means they can backtrack the person to where they entered the system.

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Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jebs3fa wrote

we got on at the dupont circle stop and then got off at metro center he entered the train car after the dupont stop at farrugut north

37

mulligansteak t1_jebsm8g wrote

Looks like you already reported, that’s great! If this person is harassing and threatening you, it’s happening to others.

18

DCRealEstateAgent t1_jeci5r6 wrote

I would update your post with these stops. I read it and thought Glenmont stop or nearby.

7

AStaleCheerio t1_jec66fs wrote

Not an assault but definitely threats.

0

mulligansteak t1_jec79kw wrote

Could go either way but simple assault is the likely charge. Threats in a menacing manner could probably be charged, it’s a long way down to the track bed, to say nothing of an approaching train. My money would be on simple assault.

21

AStaleCheerio t1_jec7yd8 wrote

It would be threats. MPD typically does simple assault for an actual physical assault, and threats in a menacing manner or threats to do bodily harm (misd), or threats to kidnap or injure a person (felony) for non-physical threats.

From my experience with metro-transit they usually do the same.

Edit: it would also be deemed a hate/bias crime, which would prompt notifying the liason and a detective.

8

mulligansteak t1_jec8bl5 wrote

Sounds like your experiences have been better than mine!

2

AStaleCheerio t1_jec8n7o wrote

It's not really a matter of better or worse, just explaining how the charges are typically applied, along with our notification policy. 👍

3

Snarfledarf t1_jecbzfl wrote

Why assault for physical assault, instead of battery? There's sort of a legal distinction here, no?

1

AStaleCheerio t1_jeckpke wrote

Because that's the charge. Simple assault is the charge for an assault.

2

borderlineidiot t1_jecsp0s wrote

Threats are assault. Battery are if the person carries out the threat:

Definition: "Assault is generally defined as an intentional act that puts another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact."

1

AStaleCheerio t1_jecuo00 wrote

In DC, for physical assaults that don't meet felonies and dont involve a weapon, we typically charge simple assault. For verbal threats or incidents like OP's, the charge would be misdemeanor threats, since no physical assault occurred and nothing about this meets the criteria for felony

Simple assault is not the charge we would use for this.

3

LattaCooties t1_jec2ios wrote

So sorry you experienced that! I’m also an Asian American and was attacked on the Farragut West metro platform about a year ago. I made a report to metro police which resulted in nothing. I hope they’re able to catch whoever harassed you! This is not ok behavior!

60

Toast351 t1_jedtalp wrote

My girlfriend and I (also Asian) encountered a similar incident on the red line a few months ago at Farragut North headed to metro center. They never caught the guy, so I'm wondering if it's the same person.

I'm somehow inclined to believe it's not a huge number of people responsible, but a couple of repeat troublemakers. Hope they catch this person!

21

LattaCooties t1_jef2mjl wrote

My attacker was a woman with long box braids. I agree I think it’s likely the same few people. I hope anyway! All this hate has no place on earth.

6

Macarogi t1_jebjshv wrote

Serious question: Will the Police even do anything about something like this nowadays?

37

dynospectrum7 t1_jebyqu3 wrote

I’ll bet money dude is mentally unstable and needs to be in an asylum.

25

[deleted] t1_jec4rac wrote

Most of them are. When I used to work at DuPont, there was also a black man who used to yell at people all the time no matter what race or ethnicity they were. Glad you reported it because mental illness is nothing to play with. And he may have been homeless as well.

I have had black and Caucasian (men and women) yell or say things to me. I just ignored them and kept it moving.

16

glamopticon t1_jeg09bi wrote

there have been some threads here about an individual on the circulator who matches this description who says similar things (I have had a few run ins but also heard reports that it was the same person at Dupont). I wonder if this is one individual who moves around? Of course this is a wider ranging problem, just saying there might be a pattern with this guy.

1

Surefinewhatever1111 t1_jebnuug wrote

MoCo might. MPD liason units were disbanded by Lanier, the most garbage leader since Chief Wiggum (real ones know a previous chief was the spitting image of Springfield's own) but there are still specific officers who work within communities.

USAO tho, they don't believe hate crimes exist so...

5

BrightThru2014 t1_jedbpjt wrote

Why would the police do anything when the USAO refuses to prosecute 70%~ of the time?

5

Gumburcules t1_jeef8du wrote

Because arresting people is the police's job and prosecuting people is the USAO's job.

"Why should I review grants if the panel does not approve 70% of applicants?"

"Why should I conduct interviews if the hiring manager tells 70% of them they didn't get the job?"

"Why should I give college counseling if 70% of students don't get accepted to college?"

See how dumb that sounds in other jobs? Why should it be any different for police?

4

BrightThru2014 t1_jeeg084 wrote

Do you know how human nature works? If my job is to write policy proposals, and I get paid regardless of how many policy proposals I write, and my boss doesn’t even read most of my memos, guess what I will be writing far fewer policy memos than if my boss actually read them.

2

Gumburcules t1_jeeh3yg wrote

Except the USAO is reviewing the cases, and they're determining that in 70% of cases they can't make a case. And in some nonzero number of cases the reason is precisely because of the shitty police work done by the arresting officers.

So in your analogy your boss is reading the proposals and rejecting 70% of them, some of which because they're illegible and nonsensical. And if someone called you out as being a shitty lazy policy proposal writer for not writing policy because of it they'd be entirely correct, just like people calling out lazy shitty cops not doing their jobs would be.

0

BrightThru2014 t1_jeg8902 wrote

Is there any reason to think cops in places like Chicago or Baltimore are better than DC cops? Because the prosecution rates for local DA offices are about 2-3x better in literally any other jurisdiction than DC. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. Stop defending criminal actors who are disproportionately causing harm to low-income disadvantaged communities.

2

Deanocracy t1_jedjezo wrote

That was an avenue for them to push an anti police narrative…

Not to be productive or care about fellow humans being terrorized on public transit.

Ghoulish

0

IsRando t1_jebswec wrote

They might help the perpetrator...advise them how not make it so obvious in the future...how to effect hatred against Asians the right way, you know.

−3

HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_jed8hgw wrote

Lol. I don't know, are DC cops that bad towards Asians? I actually like DC cops in the way they don't fuck with me or my friends in a way that leaves lasting damage.

If you said this about cops in other parts of Virginia, I'd agree.

1

DesperateWorker1045 t1_jed1spi wrote

As an Asian American living in DC, I’m sending you so much love. This is horrifying and all too common

34

squuidlees t1_jebxm39 wrote

Ignore the trolls. Sorry you had to deal with him being a jackass.

28

_____dragon t1_jed665k wrote

I don't mean to sound racist in anyway so please don't take it as such, but why is racism against asians by black people such a common thing? It's just a pattern I've noticed.

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HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_jed8sec wrote

>I don't mean to sound racist in anyway so please don't take it as such, but why is racism against asians by black people such a common thing?

I'd say it isn't so common as its probably the most acceptable (or even encouraged) type of racism.

See Shaq & Asians vs Kyrie & Jews.

Also large segments of our nation love it when PoCs fuck with each other

8

Gumburcules t1_jeegoyw wrote

It's not the whole reason but one major aspect of it is that all throughout the 80s and 90s when crime was at its worst and there was very little development east of RCP, Asian people were the only ones willing to own and run businesses in many parts of the city.

These businesses were mostly corner stores and liquor stores, and had a reputation for charging high prices for low quality products. Even to this day if you go EOTR many if not most liquor stores, corner stores, and carryouts are owned and operated by Asian people. A significant amount of the anti-Asian sentiment is due to their reputation as profiteering off of the inability for poor black people to go to more competitive stores outside food deserts, and alleged racist treatment of their black customers.

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Practicalclosetsnob t1_jefi4st wrote

Did you ask yourself why it’s completely normal/accepted and encouraged in Asian communities as well?

−3

dcsnarkington t1_jegrj18 wrote

You know when people ask me if East Asians are racist towards black people, I usually have to preface it with there is a sliding scale of racism toward African Americans.

  1. Highest level of racism: enslaving an entire race of people creating a multinational industry to capture, transport them from africa and sell them in the Americas. From the 16th to the 19th century.

  2. Murdering people and using threats or violence to perpetuate a system of race based authority and rule. Jim Crowe south from the end of the civil war until the 1970s.

  3. Systemically denying a race of people civil rights and implementing second class citizenship supported by the government. Same as #2, but arguably a significant issue up until the early 1990s and lingering to this day.

  4. Individual cases of racist violence not supported by the govt. 2009 Charleston mass shooting.

  5. Being mean or something less than perfectly fair to someone because of their race. Not wanting someone to marry your daughter because he's black.

There might be some of 5) going on amongst East Asians, but not 1-4.

3

Practicalclosetsnob t1_jegrq0g wrote

100% agree

1

dcsnarkington t1_jegryfm wrote

I mean in all fairness the majority of non-black people on earth would probably not prefer their daughter marry a black man.

I think a lot of white people in America today have trouble admitting that to themselves. To include people who voted for Obama.

1

22304_selling t1_jefijj5 wrote

no, because nobody cares about your pet issues.

0

Practicalclosetsnob t1_jefj0zu wrote

Sheesh, you must be the family disappointment if you honestly that was clever, it probably took you a solid hour to come up with that. Typical …….

−1

[deleted] t1_jed837h wrote

[removed]

−8

[deleted] t1_jeeht8z wrote

[removed]

−5

sagarnola89 t1_jeewvrz wrote

Exactly, when the former (very White) President of the United States refers to Covid as the Kung Flu, we know this isn't a "Black on Asian" problem.

1

Midnight_Morning t1_jef5hiu wrote

> but I’m sure I know which ones are downvoting. Asians, and even the Asians know this, are incredibly racist/prejudiced towards black people.

My first ever EEO Complaint in the fed workforce was with dealing with a racist Asian supervisor back in my TSA days. That piece of shit tried to bait me into swinging on him at work by chucking racial remarks. He got his in multiple ways when he sexually harassed some airline employees.

−3

22304_selling t1_jee5pa6 wrote

Anti-Asian bigotry is tolerated, if not celebrated, among elements of the black community, most notably from then-councilman and former mayor Marion Barry:

>We’ve got to do something about these Asians coming in, opening up businesses, those dirty shops...They ought to go.

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Practicalclosetsnob t1_jefgous wrote

You mean the same way it’s tolerated, encouraged, and celebrated by the Asian community? Why is it an issue when black people do it, but when Asians have done it since the dawn of time it’s ok because well you know, it’s an Asian thing. Worry about the mess in your own community before coming for someone else’s.

−5

xanadumuse t1_jeg4y3h wrote

I don’t see how it’s celebrated in the Asian American community, maybe in other Asian countries it’s def tolerated but certainly not in the US. Asian people, black people , white, Latino- not one group is innocent. It’s also pretty fucking sad that’s it come down to which group is more racist.

7

Low_Alternative2555 t1_jebnh2u wrote

If he had longish hair this might be the same guy that has been harassing people in that area for some time. I believe there was a thread about it yesterday.

22

Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jebqbnn wrote

he had his hood up so we arent sure if he has long hair but he was of a thin build (not very skinny but a little smaller than average) about our height (5’5”/5’4”) so likely 5’6”

he had like an inner blue thin layer of material that went around his head like an inner hoodie . he tried to pull up the lower half like a mask after we told him we’d call the police. ill try to find an example but it looked like a sportswear thing

14

sprint113 t1_jeciqxs wrote

Probably a balaclava. Sometimes also called a ski mask or headliner

5

WarbossTodd t1_jeboodd wrote

Sure glad they are spending $40 million on plastic doors rather than putting more cops on cars and platforms.

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EC_dwtn t1_jebrr6t wrote

I don't think the new faregates will do much, but I'm guessing that people who do stuff like this are also not likely to pay their fares.

14

WarbossTodd t1_jebsfkz wrote

There’s absolutely a correlation between fare jumpers and events like this, but if we had more cops on the trains and platforms both issues would be addressed! Station Managers are alerted when someone jumps the gate! There’s an alarm that goes off. Station Manager notifies the platform officer, the person is ticketed and escorted off the platform. Cops on the trains and on the platforms can easily verify paid status, ticket people who haven’t paid AND ensure things like this don’t happen!

Metro is making the choice to continue to put safety behind trying to recoup profits.

14

EC_dwtn t1_jebu89m wrote

I'm not even opposed to having more cops, but where are you going to find them? MPD is offering a $20,000 hiring bonus because it's hard to find recruits.

And seeing as how WMATA is facing a half billion dollar deficit next year, I don't think trying to recoup lost funds is a bad thing.

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Yithar t1_jec7nvx wrote

There are two things.

  1. I've seen a lot of people jumping as a common occurrence. Everyone should pay their fare to help maintain the system.

  2. There's definitely a correlation between crime and fares. Someone who's stealing wallets probably isn't very interested in paying the fare.

9

4RunnerPilot t1_jec2s54 wrote

More police won’t do shit. We need the the prosecutors and judges to put criminals in jail and the mentally unstable into institutions. If they actually prosecuted crime we would be the safest city in America. It’s a small number of continuous repeat offenders that wreck havoc on our city and the USAO is at fault. Could you imagine 2/3 of the time police make arrests no charges are filed. It’s pathetic.

https://www.axios.com/2023/03/29/dc-leaders-house-hearing-crime-crisis

12

Yithar t1_jec3d5q wrote

As stated, more police won't do that much. More police is kind of a band-aid solution to the problem. Some people with mental illness do need to be put in mental institutions as they're a danger to other people.

Making sure people pay their fare helps because someone who thinks it's okay to assault someone or steal someone's wallet sure as hell doesn't care about paying the fare. For some people, the fare can be a lot of money so they have to think about whether it's worth it or not.

Like I agree with this sentiment:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/11i0ic3/how_should_rtd_deal_with_the_drug_problem_on/jaxp9uz/?context=3

> Caring about profit is stupid, yes, but I’d argue that 99% of all crime and public hazardous drug use that occurs on RTD is done a person who did not pay the fare. > > Essentially, most metro systems use the fare not just to subsidize the cost, but also historically to prevent troublemakers from entering the system. For this reason, Denver is right to want to keep the fare and also enforce it.

7

sagarnola89 t1_jeextjt wrote

We need to reopen the government-run mentwl asylums that were closed down in the 80s. People like this should be picked up, put into an asylum, and given treatment.

2

sagarnola89 t1_jeexnv5 wrote

Disagree. I think the fare gates will make a huge difference. They will effectively keep people like this off the Metro. More police presence will be helpful, but doesn't prevent the harassment from occurring in the first place.

1

WarbossTodd t1_jefnvvi wrote

The news reports from the day they were installed show people jumping them.

1

sagarnola89 t1_jefobrk wrote

Those were the first models they tried. The new saloon style doors are very tough to jump. Should be installed on all stations within a year.

1

IceKareemy t1_jebt06e wrote

I am so sorry that happened

20

Praxlyn t1_jec0luv wrote

I’m so sorry this happened to y’all it’s gross that this shit still goes on.

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Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jebfsy2 wrote

we got off at the Metro Center stop

17

bobthebonobo t1_jec1rhj wrote

It's crazy how often I experience hostile/mentally unwell people around Metro Center/Farragut North.

12

LeoJawn t1_jebn3vu wrote

I suggest y'all start carrying mace or something. It's a lot of mentally ill people on the metro.

17

hopeless-ellem t1_jecdzn1 wrote

god it's scary. I'm Asian myself and I need to take the red line everyday to commute to my uni. And I haven't ran into any racist incidents yet. I'll be sure to be more careful from now on

17

NBCAimee t1_jeefd1v wrote

Hi there - my name is Aimee Cho and I'm with NBC4. I'd like to chat with you about this if you're willing. I can be reached at aimee.cho@nbcuni.com. Thanks very much

15

AshleysDeaditeHand t1_jebrh73 wrote

Pepper spray is legal, cheap, effective, lightweight, concealable, and requires no permit.

14

AhhAGoose t1_jebsjvb wrote

If anyone is wondering, there are some minor restrictions on what type you can carry here:

It is legal to possess self-defense sprays in the District of Columbia, such as mace or pepper spray.

However, under D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.12, the only legal types of self-defense sprays are “a mixture of a lacrimator including chloroacetophenone, alphacloroacetophenone, phenylchloromethylketone, orthochloriobenazaim-alononitrile or oleoresin capsicum.” Additionally, the self-defense spray must be propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with clearly written instructions for use, and dated with its anticipated useful life. A person may use a self-defense spray only as reasonable force to defend themselves or their property and only if the self-defense sprays meets the requirements above.

6

Surefinewhatever1111 t1_jec0h0u wrote

No one is going down for defending themselves with pepper spray.

11

Unspec7 t1_jecllmo wrote

I think the point of the restriction is specifically to ensure that people don't get charged with crimes in their use. By restricting it to chemicals that are more deterrent in nature, you avoid people getting creative with their sprays, such as putting dilute acids in them (for example). In a situation like someone acting threatening (such as OP faced), pepper spray would likely be found to be reasonable force, but permanently blinding someone by spraying acid into their face would not be reasonable force.

5

Surefinewhatever1111 t1_jecm6c4 wrote

>but permanently blinding someone by spraying acid into their face would not be reasonable force.

Counterpoint: some people can FAFO.

3

Unspec7 t1_jecp5ws wrote

Counterpoint: Why risk catching criminal assault charges in the process of self defense when normal pepper spray accomplishes the same thing for less risk?

2

Surefinewhatever1111 t1_jecrpoz wrote

If a hate crime victim blinds their attacker permanently or kills them you won't catch me crying.

3

Unspec7 t1_jecrvry wrote

No one is asking for sympathy for the criminal. However, I'd hate to see the person defending themselves catch charges as well simply because they thought they were being clever.

2

Surefinewhatever1111 t1_jecsanv wrote

Half this sub loves people who commit crimes/make excuses for them more and thinks hate crimes don't exist.

I doubt any victim is "thinking they were being clever" trying to survive. Yikes.

−4

Unspec7 t1_ject7n9 wrote

>Half this sub loves people who commit crimes/make excuses for them more and thinks hate crimes don't exist.

Is this directed at me?

>I doubt any victim is "thinking they were being clever" trying to survive. Yikes.

Doesn't really matter what the victim is thinking. They will catch charges due to disproportionate force. The law is blind, as they say. Just use normal pepper spray, there's no need to inflict permanent damage when normal pepper spray accomplishes the same thing for less risk.

2

Radioactive-goat t1_jeclyk9 wrote

I was attacked and used my pepper spray. The cops came, a lot of them. They said “nice job” when they heard I used pepper spray and never asked me what kind I had. 🤷‍♀️

5

Oogaman00 t1_jees1p5 wrote

Lol there is 0% chance that you would ever get in trouble for not having the technical correct type of pepper spray

−1

AhhAGoose t1_jef0dil wrote

You and I have had different interactions with the police

3

Oogaman00 t1_jegaobw wrote

Look around this sub. DC police don't do shit about anything

2

seansecurity t1_jec8sct wrote

Sorry but in DC even if you catch them doing something like this they will be out and on the streets again in 24 hrs or less especially if they are under 18. Until DC decides to get serious about keeping low level criminals and dangerous people with mental health issues away from the public things aren't going to change, just be thankful that the last bill didn't pass or else DC would have really been in more trouble. If people don't think they will be any consequences for their actions they have no reason to stop their actions.

13

sagarnola89 t1_jeexdf0 wrote

I'd also add that the biggest mistake this country made was when Reagan closed down all the government-run mental health facilities in the 80s. These people need to be locked away in asylums and given treatment, so they won't be a danger to anyone else or themselves.

2

roofrat69 t1_jecj4nz wrote

I’m sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately the metro has a become a refuge for the mentally unstable. It needs to change.

11

sunnyreddit99 t1_jectkdh wrote

This is horrible and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were repeat racist offenders

10

gwenqueenofshadows t1_jebwovf wrote

Was this at metro center like three hours ago?

9

Key_Ad_7299 OP t1_jebxbyy wrote

this happened sometime between 12:58pm - 01:10pm today! between dupont circle -> metro center he got on at farrugut north which is the stop in b/w and the incident happened after that

14

TheBat3 t1_ject5by wrote

For folks wondering how to help in situations like this, I found Right to Be’s bystander training really eye-opening about ways to assist folks being harassed without directly confronting the aggressor - https://righttobe.org/our-training/

9

little_fierce18 t1_jed2pgr wrote

Thank you for sharing! I was a bystander intervention trainer in college (though the focus was preventing sexual assault) and even simple things can help! Like causing a distraction or going up to the person being harassed and “catching up” with them like they’re an old friend.

6

Panda_alley t1_jeei7sh wrote

This is what people who bring up aggregate crime stats to imply people shouldn't feel unsafe don't seem to grasp.

​

Incidents like these are 10x (or greater?) more likely than "being the victim of a crime", and they are terrifying, and of course you feel unsafe, and they never funnel up into crime stats.

8

TitzKarlton t1_jec3d18 wrote

This is awful. I’m so sorry this happened to you two.

7

OldMarket3194 t1_jecfzm5 wrote

I’m very sorry this happened to you and your friend. Unacceptable.

7

Texas_Rockets t1_jecj9si wrote

There’s probably nothing to this, but was his hair a little wild? More on the light skinned side? Probably not gonna triangulate this one based on such a general description. Guess I’m more curious.

Had someone sorta matching that description be incredibly hostile to me last year near p and 14. Said he was going to kill me, called me a faggot (I’m not gay, nor do I look like I am), said he could beat my ass (which, given the height, I was not concerned about), said he got more bitches than me - just weird, pathetic shit. Just all this wild stuff. I just kept walking because that sort of confidence on a guy that small only makes sense if he has a weapon.

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FkDavidTyreeBot_2000 t1_jec1cc1 wrote

Very sorry to hear about this. The best thing you can do in the moment is to call/text metro police, they'll be faster to react and respond than a 9-1-1 call if you feel like you're in danger

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ksixnine t1_jecnzym wrote

Sorry that this happened.

For those that do not know:

Metro Center, all of the major hubs, but especially Metro Center has multiple workers and police — walk up to them, and ask for help if you find yourself in a situation such as this.

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bridges-build-burn t1_jecxl94 wrote

I am so sorry this happened. It’s heartbreaking. I’m glad to see such supportive comments and that people are here helping you sort through what happened. Also, thank you to the subreddit mods for doing a good job with the comments here.

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Ok_Sleep_5724 t1_jefnyg0 wrote

This post and the comments under the thread break my heart. I’m so sorry this happened to you and continues to happen to others in this city. If I ever see something, I will stand with the victims and try to help them get to a safe space.

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tyronepooky t1_jeg0o0c wrote

bear spray that dirty bum! I dont care if innocent folks get hit in crossfire, you harass/threaten me and you will get sprayed and possibly kicked in the head. Fight racism with racism next time, black folks hate racism.

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hmm138 t1_jebld9s wrote

I’m sorry this happened to you. Some people are just assholes.

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unl1988 t1_jecnqev wrote

sorry this happened to you.

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marcololol t1_jecsyiu wrote

Got your back bro don’t worry

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kamon405 t1_jecz19c wrote

Were you able to get a police report of the incident from transit police?

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politics_junkieball t1_jedawrk wrote

Im sorry this happened to you. Racist incidents can stick with you and be impactful (negative or positive), and I really hope that it doesnt stick with you for long and impact your self worth. Just remember, and I’m sure you know this, you’re not below anyone. The aggressor/racist was a shit head and unstable. I’m glad you’re safe though because the fact that he followed is scary even if you’re with a friend at a crowded place. I hope he gets caught some day if not soon.

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DCJoe1970 t1_jec0zoy wrote

Just another day in DC.

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tommyfolk t1_jecx69t wrote

I am sorry to hear that. I take the train regularly and generally ride in the first car. I'm glad people stepped in and you guys eventually got away. Can't imagine how it must've felt.

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ElevateRR t1_jeemit4 wrote

I'm sorry that you and your friend experienced this outrageous behavior -- sadly, there are a lot of mentally unstable people in the world. It's encouraging to hear that some good people stepped in and took action to help you. Hope you are well!

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sagarnola89 t1_jeew1n3 wrote

I'm so sorry this happened to you. This is why I'm glad they will be installing new fare gates. POSs like this shouldn't be allowed on the train, and I can almost guarantee you he didn't pay. Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable ride.

I'd also make sure you have reported this to Metro and even post on Metro GM Randy Clarke's Twitter. He is very active on there, and unlike previous GMs, he seems to genuinely care about the people who ride Metro.

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Lifeismehlife t1_jeej6ez wrote

I lost my IDs in metro center and never got them back, huh I wonder why

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adamfrom1980s t1_jebsa98 wrote

Sorry you experienced that. That being said, being screamed at by a racist deranged local is a rite of passage. You’ve now received your DC bonafieds!

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