A 26-year-old man was stabbed in the face by an unknown assailant on a Brooklyn subway platform Sunday evening, according to authorities and the victim. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at the Rockaway Avenue station, where the victim had just exited a southbound C train.

Mamadou Li, who works as a kitchen supervisor, described the attack as sudden and unprovoked. He said he was preparing to leave the train when the attacker struck him underneath the chin with a sharp object. Authorities confirmed the victim sustained a deep facial wound that required medical treatment, including stitches, at Brookdale University Hospital. Police did not disclose a motive or provide a description of the suspect.

Li recounted the moment of the assault, saying the attacker approached him without any warning or verbal exchange. “It felt like he threw a sucker punch at me,” he said. After stabbing Li, the assailant reportedly boarded a C train heading in the opposite direction and fled the station. The suspect remains at large.

The victim expressed gratitude that the injury was not more severe but acknowledged that the attack has left him fearful of using the subway system. “It’s the main mode of transportation, but there’s definitely some paranoia building up and some fear,” Li said. He emphasized that the incident could have happened to anyone and hopes it will not recur.

Police statistics indicate an increase in felony assaults on the transit system this year. Reportedly, there have been 461 such incidents in 2026 so far, up from 417 during the same period last year, reflecting an 11% rise.

Authorities continue to investigate the stabbing and have urged anyone with information about the suspect to come forward. Meanwhile, subway riders are reminded to remain vigilant while using public transportation in Brooklyn and throughout the city.