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https://nypost.com/2024/02/29/us-news/woman-23-arrested-for-attacking-nyc-cello-player-in-subway-station-after-week...
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Metro

THIEF BUSTED IN BRUTAL SUBWAY CELLO ATTACK RELEASED WITHOUT BAIL — DESPITE EVEN
DA BRAGG’S OFFICE WANTING HER BEHIND BARS

By Joe Marino, Amanda Woods and Alyssa Guzman

Published Feb. 29, 2024, 12:10 p.m. ET

A 23-year-old with eight prior arrests was busted in the shocking
caught-on-video bottle attack on a New York City subway cellist — and she was
promptly cut loose Thursday despite pleas that she be held on bail.

Amira Hunter was nabbed Wednesday night, 15 days after she allegedly bashed Iain
S. Forrest, 29, in the head as he performed in the Herald Square station.

At her arraignment Thursday on second-degree assault charges, Manhattan
prosecutors argued for $15,000 cash bail or $45,000 bond, noting that Hunter has
failed to appear at three of her five court dates in other criminal cases last
year.

“The People have little faith that she will return to court of her own
volition,” prosecutor Alexandra Robertson told Judge Marva Brown in Manhattan
criminal court.

Hunter, of Brooklyn, also had a bench warrant out for her arrest in two cases
involving petit larceny, according to the Manhattan DA’s Office.

5
Hunter was captured by the NYPD Wednesday evening — 15 days after she allegedly
attacked Iain S. Forrest, 29, while he was performing “Titanium” by Sia in the
station. DCPI

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Her last arrest was in October on grand larceny charges for allegedly stealing
two bathing suits worth $2,050 from Bergdorf Goodman, sources said.

She also was arrested twice for assaulting her mom in 2019, sources said.

But despite her criminal history, Brown set Hunter free on supervised release —
even though the jurist could’ve set bail on the assault charge, a violent
felony, under current law.

Hunter was caught on video allegedly whacking Forrest in the head with his own
metal water bottle as he performed “Titanium” by Sia underground on Feb. 13.

Forrest was left traumatized over the terrifying assault.

“I hadn’t touched my cello since being attacked in the NYC subway … until
today,” Forrest revealed in an X post Wednesday where he showed off some free
gifts from a music company.

5
Amira Hunter, 23, of Brooklyn leaves court on Thursday. Gabriella Bass

The Mount Sinai PhD student, was not seriously injured, said he is still
“feeling demoralized and saddened” by the incident and can’t “bring myself to
play music.”

However, he did manage to play a bit inside his apartment after using the new
tools that D’Addario Orchestral, an instrument supply company, sent him.

Last week, Forrest announced he was suspending his subway performances
“indefinitely” and called on the NYPD to protect musicians.

5
Forrest has stopped playing in the subway “indefinitely” and picked up his cello
for the first time post-attack on Wednesday. Aristide Economopoulos for NY Post

“Two attacks in less than a year is two too much,” he said in an Instagram post.
“I have been punched, choked, and now bashed in the head.

“I love performing for you all in the subway, but I’m at my breaking point and
can’t take more injury or harm,” he said.

Forrest participates in the MTA’s Music Under New York program, which schedules
musicians to hold performances at Big Apple transit hubs.

Forrest and others started a coalition, the Subway Performers Advocacy Group, to
demand better security from the city to protect musicians.

5
Hunter is well-known to police with eight prior arrests and was last taken into
custody in October for theft. IainSForrest/X

5
On Wednesday, the young Brooklynite was charged with assault and is at Central
Booking pending arraignment. IainSForrest/X
What do you think? Post a comment.

“No one in the transit system, including the musicians, should be subjected to
violence, and when the NYPD catches up to the person who committed this
senseless attack, they will be held accountable,” the MTA said in a statement.

The Post has reached out to Forrest for comment.

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