The Transport Workers Union Local 100 has called for the removal of judges who they say consistently release violent offenders responsible for attacking public transit employees. The union highlights a rising number of assaults on its members and expresses frustration over court decisions granting bail reductions or supervised release to suspects in these cases.
According to union data, 87 on-duty New York City Transit and MTA bus workers have been assaulted so far in 2026. This figure represents a 13% increase from the 77 assaults reported during the same period in 2025 and a 36% rise compared with 64 incidents in 2024.
John Chiarello, president of TWU Local 100, characterized the release of violent suspects as “total injustice” and expressed outrage over decisions that allow alleged attackers to remain free while charges are pending. The union is reportedly considering various responses, including possible demonstrations, to pressure for the removal of judges involved.
One such case involved Thywill Anasu, who allegedly assaulted bus operator Johnny Rodriguez on April 4 near Yonkers following a minor traffic collision. According to criminal complaints, Anasu knocked Rodriguez unconscious by repeatedly punching him and slamming his head onto the pavement. Though the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office requested bail of $50,000 cash or $150,000 bond, Judge George Fufidio set bail at $5,000 cash or $50,000 bond, citing Anasu’s claims that he owns a legitimate pressure-cleaning business and drives a new truck. Anasu subsequently posted bail.
Four months after this incident, Anasu was again arrested in the Bronx and charged with multiple crimes, including assault and burglary, after allegedly attacking an FDNY fire marshal in uniform. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office sought $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond, but Judge Michele Davila released Anasu on supervised release.
Another recent incident involved Jhon Hurtado Olmos, who allegedly slashed a Times Square subway station cleaner late at night on August 24 after the worker asked him to move so he could clean the area. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office requested $30,000 bail for Olmos, but he was released on supervised release by Judge Shirin Zarabi.
The union spokeswoman noted that while the organization is still deliberating specific measures, the pattern of offenders being released with minimal bail is undermining efforts to protect transit workers and ensure accountability. The judiciary’s decisions in these cases have raised concerns among public safety advocates and transit employees about the adequacy of protections for essential city workers.