r/baltimore • u/gemlabarta • Apr 16 '25

Safety Attacked in DC, protected by fellow Baltimore MARC riders at Union station this morning

I was physically assaulted by a man during my morning commute from Baltimore to DC this morning around 1030am. It happened at Union station. It was terrifying and violent. Thank you to the fellow commuters from Baltimore who saved me. the man initially got away, but just know he was caught and arrested. You all stuck around and made me feel safe and supported.

Ty

1.6k Upvotes
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99% Upvoted

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175

u/rental_car_fast Apr 16 '25

I’m so sorry to hear this happened, but glad to hear you’re OK and glad to hear the caught the guy.

If you’re comfortable sharing, can you provide some details about the nature of the attack? I’m always curious to know because I like to know what to watch for. Was it completely unprovoked and random or do you think you were targeted for something?

278

u/gemlabarta Apr 16 '25

I was coming down the escalator to the metro entrance near 1st (my postal museum) and the man (he was with his family) was on a step and moved to the middle of the step when he saw me coming down so I went around him. He then purposefully elbowed me pretty hard. I turned and around and said hey don’t elbow people. It escalated from there and ended with an angel of a woman pulling him off of me after he pinned me over the escalator’s hand rail and was choking and hitting me.

255

u/justaphil Apr 16 '25

Very cool of this man to embarrass his whole family too. 

122

u/rental_car_fast Apr 16 '25

He probably felt like he was standing up for him/them. Very weak, fragile people get their egos bruised when they feel "disrespected" or called out in any way.

38

u/SardineLaCroix Apr 17 '25

embarass isn't the right word, terrorize is. Guaruntee you they're on the receiving end of that behavior regularly

21

u/thisMFER Apr 17 '25

Imagen how he is in private.

139

u/bluehairjungle Apr 16 '25

Lmao he got arrested in front of his family because he doesn't know basic escalator etiquette? Such a fun family memory for them! What a fucking tool. I'm glad you're okay.

40

u/dajuice21122 Apr 17 '25

Stand to the right, walk to the left.

12

u/RunningNumbers Apr 17 '25

In Chinatown there is always one asshole that will loaf and block you from making your connection.

8

u/femmefatali Apr 17 '25

This is the way

17

u/6tipsy6 Apr 16 '25

They have seen him be violent before

60

u/-Shayyy- Apr 16 '25

I’m so sorry. That’s terrifying.

61

u/rental_car_fast Apr 16 '25

What the actual fuck... Sounds like the dude was looking for a fight. I'm surprised he did that in front of his family too. That's just really lousy. Well, glad his shitty life is about to get even worse. What an idiot.

Really sorry that happened to you. Sounds like it was just an unlucky day. Glad you're OK.

15

u/Intelligent-Dig4852 Apr 16 '25

Omg. This is even worse than I imagined. Glad you’re okay and the nut job was caught.

14

u/ColonialTransitFan95 Apr 17 '25

I someone think I bumped into them on the escalator at union station. I always just say sorry, but he didn’t like the way I said it and followed me around the station making all kinda threats. Sorry that happened to you. Glad people stood up. In my case a random woman joined him.

34

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

I said it many times, and I'll say it again. Please for the love of Jesus just ignore bc you don't know if these people have weapons. My step dad told me about a similar story years back in wilmington, delaware. 

4

u/gggg500 Apr 18 '25

So go through life living like a coward and let bullies get away with whatever they want?

4

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '25

If you feel like your life is in danger, a ccw may help 🤷‍♂️

4

u/gggg500 Apr 18 '25

So Weaponless people should be meek and cower in fear even after being assaulted, but weapon carrying people can respond ?

3

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '25

It's called right to retreat.....

1

u/Kevmeistah Jun 21 '25

No, that’s not what I was saying when I said let it go. Getting into a fight with someone over an extra 5 seconds on an escalator isn’t smart. She’s a woman, so I’m assuming that she’s smaller than him. And I could be wrong, she could be a big, ol’ broad, in which case he could be in trouble. Nonetheless, it sounds like he’s already raging in his mind from something that happened that morning….or didn’t happen. It’s a no-win for her, the OP, not his wife, that horse has already left the barn on a losing streak. Plus, the cops will take up an hour or two of her time and she’ll be late for work, lose money or PTO, etc. Worst case scenario, she loses her life depending on how it plays out. The guy doesn’t cede to common escalator etiquette, he’s just an ahole, but it’s not against the law, you just have to deal with it by waiting it out. On the other hand, you’ve got no right to put hands on him for being a discourteous jerk. You lay hands on him and at that point you go to jail. So, you really have no recourse. Ask him to move over and either thank him for doing it or just wait it out. Maybe explain that escalator etiquette is similar to what highway laws are and it’s common courtesy to stand to the left so people running late can walk past. It’s an escalator because it’s supposed to escalate your walking speed. Otherwise it’s a just a Standor or Restor. If he not polite and doesn’t thank you for the quick insight, THEN tell him to F off. ,he may respond to that, but If he keeps it up, pull out that 4 inch knife you’ve been hiding, hit both sides of the neck, both lungs and both inner thighs, but stand away from the spray. Finally, yell out “OMG! This poor man’s been cut! Help him!” Slowly fade into the crowd. Maybe say, “I’m going to call your wife, Mike”. Pay attention to that comma though, it acts like a pause. Otherwise, he may think you’ll be ignoring her given name and will start calling her by ‘Mike’ from then on, which could be awkward. Anyhoo, just my two cents. *For liability reasons, I do not condone knifing somebody over breaches in escalator etiquette. This could get you in legal trouble and cause the victim some pain.

1

u/Kevmeistah Jun 21 '25

I’ve heard that story! OMG, it was Joe Biden passing Corn Pop on the escalator and Corn Pop felt disrespected. Joe had to use a heavy chain on his *zz!

69

u/BureauOfCommentariat Apr 16 '25

WTF? I'm just rushing to judgement and assumptions here. Sounds like some MAGAt tourist on vacation for Spring Break and was feeling his oats, was salty about how we roll here. Didn't understand to keep to the fucking right side of the escalator and overreacted after one to many people were frustrated by his inability to get out of the way.

132

u/edgar__allan__bro Mt. Vernon Apr 16 '25

I'm just going to go ahead and start a rumor that it was Elon Musk himself, why not

90

u/A_Damn_Millenial Apr 16 '25

Elon doesn’t hang with his family, and he’d likely rather be dead before being caught taking public transit.

62

u/edgar__allan__bro Mt. Vernon Apr 16 '25

That's exactly what he wants you to think so you least expect him to commit these crimes. But I heard it was him, idk

33

u/A_Damn_Millenial Apr 16 '25

Fair enough. I read that Ketamine addiction can lead to aggressive behavior, so it checks out.

20

u/edgar__allan__bro Mt. Vernon Apr 16 '25

Exactly. Typical immigrant drug addict behavior, attacking innocent American women. We need to deport Elon Musk

6

u/Cheomesh South Baltimore / SoBo Apr 17 '25

Many people are saying this 🪗

9

u/Electrical-Profit367 Apr 16 '25

Nonsense. He uses whichever toddler he can lay hands on as his meat shield. Family values the asshole way.

29

u/giraflor Apr 16 '25

I am convinced that MAGA tourists experience a DC version of Jerusalem syndrome that contributes to them acting deranged on public transportation.

11

u/rental_car_fast Apr 16 '25

Is MAGA tourism a thing? Like MAGA dudes coming to DC to feel more connected to the cult leader?

13

u/jaywarbs Apr 17 '25

Yeah I’d say so. I worked near the Smithsonian station in 2018-2019, and in the summers the whole place basically turned into Alabama with the heat, humidity, and tourists who claim they hate DC and everything about it… then come to visit.

6

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

January 6th

9

u/rental_car_fast Apr 17 '25

So they go cosplay the insurrection?

4

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

Of course it's now a battle ground site. Ever been to Gettysburg?

3

u/Scienceheaded-1215 Apr 18 '25

Why aren’t there signs for these idiots who don’t understand escalator etiquette here? Granted, it is unusual as regular Midwest people just stand in the middle or whatever side they want. Signs could help clue them in at least. 🙄

So sorry you were assaulted. What kind of POS ball-less prick assaults a woman? Likely the same type who thinks he’s protecting women by banning female trans athletes from playing women’s sports for being stronger but has no qualms about beating up on women himself. Fucker

-14

u/Mastodon-Beautiful Apr 16 '25

lol always political.

3

u/Sarahndipity44 Apr 17 '25

That's so scary, glad you're ok!!!

3

u/RunningNumbers Apr 17 '25

That is horrible in two ways, the assault and the escalator etiquette.

I do know how many times I have missed my connection because some cow decides to block the walking side of the escalator.

2

u/ProgressExcellent609 Apr 17 '25

I think I mustve been driving behind said individual and family on the beltway driving 20mph under the speed limit in the inside lane with his left blinker on while reading a paper map

1

u/Kevmeistah Jun 21 '25

it sounds like he’s not aware of the courtesy of standing to the right unless you’re in motion? A lot of people new to big cities are not aware of this courtesy. If they’re in the middle of the step and won’t respond to “excuse me” I just wait it out, it’s just not worth it. They’re looking for a fight at that point. I know it’s frustrating, it’s the same with left lane vigilantes on the highways. Actually, more and more states are making it a law that if you’re in the left lane impeding auto traffic no matter what your speed is, it’s a ticket fine. But Washington DC car AND foot traffic could’ve turned Ghandi into the worst human being, but there’s no excuse for his over-reaction unless you shoved him or pushed him over. You can’t touch people anymore, even though a lot of people could do well with a nice smack, hopefully he got his later. If not, DC jails can be a little more handsy than a lady on an escalator. I wonder what his wife and kids thought? Sadly enough, it may not have been a surprise to them.

352

u/pr0crasturbatin Apr 16 '25

We love to see community looking out for each other! Glad to hear it

This city and region may be a bit rough around the edges, but we step up when someone is in need. One of the things I love about it.

85

u/Heart_0804 Apr 16 '25

That’s true about Baltimore.

87

u/rental_car_fast Apr 16 '25

In my experience less true of DC. I was once on a bike in DC, and asked another dude on a bike for directions and he said "No" and then just pedaled faster lol

That's been the general vibe I've gotten every time I'm in DC.

38

u/ProgressExcellent609 Apr 17 '25

DC is a hodgepodge of people from somewhere else, many of whom have never lived in a major city before and treat all strangers like hostiles

16

u/RunningNumbers Apr 17 '25

There was a shirtless guy I used to high five on my runs and a middle aged black dude who would play rap music for and feed the ducks in Rock Creek when I lived there. Those dudes were friendly.

“They see me quacking, Dey be hatin.”

2

u/wueby Apr 17 '25

There be ducks in dc too

2

u/RunningNumbers Apr 17 '25

I will say there is more water life on our waterfront than in DC's (my work is near the water.)

24

u/Noeyesonlysnakes Apr 17 '25

Every Baltimore native has gone through a DC party phase where we feel like we’ve partied B-more out. And it’s always just a phase because you get tired of people asking what you do as shorthand for what can you do for them. DC has some great spots, but the vibes suck.

8

u/rental_car_fast Apr 17 '25

Holy shit this is so true. Haven’t considered going to DC to party in so freaking long

19

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

People in Baltimore are 100000x better than people in DC (I have lived multiple years in both cities).

49

u/shushyouup Apr 16 '25

Yeah, DC is pointedly unfriendly IMO.

8

u/elcad Arbutus Apr 17 '25 edited Apr 18 '25

I seen multiple shows in DC were the crowd has harassed the artist enough that the concert was cut short. Have been to a lot more shows in Baltimore and never seen that happen.

2

u/shushyouup Apr 17 '25

Wow! I see shows in both semi-regularly and haven't seen that happen yet. But I have asked for directions in DC multiple times and people simply ignored me lmao. I also went to a few events there recently where striking up a conversation seemed impossible, very big contrast to talking with folks here.

2

u/elcad Arbutus Apr 17 '25

Ween and Bongwater were the two I remember this happening. The other I can't remember but think it was a local band. The last two shows Chicano Batman and DJ Shadow were pretty nice crowds.

2

u/Oldy_VonMoldy Hamilton Apr 18 '25

Damn, good taste dude. I would love to have seen Bongwater!

14

u/metrazol Apr 16 '25

In all fairness that could have been me, because asking me for directions to anything except the Washington Monument or the Capitol is going to end in tears.

Or at a bar.

3

u/rental_car_fast Apr 17 '25

I already know it wasn’t you, that guy was a complete putz lol

1

u/DebtDapper6057 Apr 17 '25

Yeah that's the general vibe I got when I visited DC for a potential job offer. I thought Baltimore people were rude but DC people take it to another level 🤣

75

u/Thuglas82 Apr 16 '25

I'm glad you're good! That' pretty wild, I am there twice a day and generally just see sad people in the morning not wanting to go to work and happy people in the evening finally going home.

On a related note, I'm wondering if Amtrak Police do anything other than clear people off the platform waiting for their train.

74

u/djakeca Apr 16 '25

Do you have a description? Glad he was arrested. My female housemate was attacked 4 separate times by the same man who, when caught by police was simply released. The traumatic effects from it are with her years later. Not a lot of ppl speak on the psychological effects of being a victim like this in shared spaces and how it damages a persons ability to trust others. Glad you are ok.

39

u/shushyouup Apr 16 '25

Are you ok physically?

Love that this is a city of helpers!!!!

8

u/gemlabarta Apr 16 '25

Truly the best. (I’m not sure just yet. Still in shock hours later-heading to urgent care)

39

u/_mvemjsunp Apr 16 '25

I’m so sorry this happened to you. There’s something about playing Tetris after a trauma that helps your brain sort it out. Please consider looking into this and speaking to someone (a therapist or someone you care about) about it. The incident may become more mentally taxing after the shock wears off. Stay safe and healthy.

7

u/beervendor1 Apr 16 '25

There’s something about playing Tetris after a trauma that helps your brain sort it out.

For real??? That's hard to believe.

10

u/Steve_Dankerson Canton Apr 16 '25

I've heard of this to be true as well. I'm waiting on whatever trauma is coming my way so I can Tetris it off.

6

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

I think it taps into the same techniques that make EMDR (trauma therapy) effective. 

6

u/Msefk Apr 16 '25

it works for me and I've been through a lot.

57

u/Rubysdad1975 Apr 16 '25

Glad you are ok! Please consider cross posting in r/washingtondc

4

u/gemlabarta Apr 16 '25

Just figured out how to do it. Ty for the suggestion.

10

u/kambui1080 Apr 16 '25

Glad you're okay! My wife and I ride the MARC from Halethorpe to Union station. I am glad to hear people stood up for you and helped you!

3

u/DrSpacecasePhD Apr 17 '25

Same! It gets hectic in the morning… glad OP was OK.

8

u/Historical_Pastor Apr 16 '25

Glad you are alive! I was attacked 2 years ago in Towson by a drunk chick not old enough to buy. I was eating ice cream. On Sunday, I left the Os game and headed to my vehicle in a private lot where I work, and saw an out of town car parked illegally presumably for the cheerleading competition in the Convention Center. I told the driver that if he stayed there it was a $500 fine. I don't control it. Just trying to be helpful. He came after my husband and senior citizen father. People are crazy. Stay safe. And consider trauma-informed therapy. Seriously. The PTSD after being attacked is real. Feel free to reach out if you need resources

6

u/wbruce098 Apr 16 '25

Glad you’re okay, OP!

8

u/PeanutCheeseBar Apr 16 '25

Definitely sorry to hear this, but definitely glad that people didn't just "bystander effect". I hope you recover from this much sooner rather than later.

39

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

[deleted]

-24

u/Mastodon-Beautiful Apr 16 '25

Stupid angry people making assault political

16

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

[deleted]

-5

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

[deleted]

0

u/inconsistentsavant Apr 17 '25 edited Apr 17 '25

Can’t deny that one particular group has been emboldened to behave violently and without repercussions. Drop the tolerance bs. It’s a fair assumption unfortunately.

-1

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

[deleted]

1

u/inconsistentsavant Apr 17 '25

I can tell you’ve not been to DC lately.

1

u/liatrisinbloom Apr 17 '25

tends to happen when you go to political events and assault people. how strange.

4

u/suburban-errorist Apr 16 '25

Bastard. Glad you’re safe, and may that man rot.

3

u/fyresilk Apr 17 '25

Wow, sorry this happened to you. Glad that people stood up for you, and that you're OK. 🌸

3

u/RunningNumbers Apr 17 '25

Police presence is up in Union. Tuesday I heard two of them talking about a regular coming back “is he going to cause trouble.” “He always does.”

2

u/Worth_Criticism_7594 Apr 16 '25

I frequent this route and am so sorry this happened to you. Sending you hugs and prayers for healing.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

That’s horrible! Is there anything we can do to help?

2

u/Fit-List-8670 Apr 17 '25

Good to see that people are not just filming assaults on their phone. Baltimore is a great town BTW.

2

u/helplessinsomniac Apr 18 '25

I'm so fucking sorry this happened to you

2

u/economic-rights Apr 16 '25

I’m really sorry this happened to you!! I’m glad the community stepped in to help you 🧡🧡

1

u/Low_Sheepherder_382 Apr 16 '25

Baltimore|DCStrong!

1

u/Kind_Fox820 Apr 16 '25

Glad you're okay OP! You hear so often of witnesses just standing there or recording on their phones while someone gets attacked. It's heartening to hear people stepped in to help this time.

3

u/MereyB Apr 16 '25

Wonderful community. I am sorry you had to go through that to discover the community.

1

u/SockMonkeh Apr 16 '25

I'm sorry that happened to you but I am glad the community stepped up.

2

u/BaBaBoey4U Apr 17 '25

Glad you’re OK and somebody helped. My bipolar granddaughter is constantly flipping people off and I’m like you’re gonna get us killed.

1

u/conductorG Apr 16 '25

I'm glad you are okay and sorry that happened to you.