NYC Subway Passenger Sprayed With Unknown Liquid, Confronts Man Identified by TikTok Users as Matthew Hernandez
NEW YORK CITY — A disturbing incident on the New York City subway has gone viral after a woman was allegedly sprayed with an unknown liquid by a man and then confronted him moments later inside a Manhattan train station. The man, who fled the scene shortly after, has since been identified by online users as Matthew Hernandez.
The video, which circulated across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), shows the woman filming the aftermath of the incident. She can be heard shouting at the suspect while recording what appears to be a white liquid substance on her clothing.
Viral Confrontation in NYC Subway Station
The confrontation reportedly took place on Thursday afternoon inside a New York City Transit subway station. The woman, who has not been publicly named, said the man approached her without provocation before spraying her with an unidentified liquid.
Video footage shows the suspect wearing glasses, a Nike head covering, and a gray hoodie while trying to argue with the woman before walking away.
“Yesterday, a woman got into a fight after confronting a man at a NYC train station who had randomly sprayed her with an unknown liquid,” the post read. “The TikTok community has identified him as Matthew Hernandez.”
No arrests have yet been confirmed by police, but social media users have shared screenshots and clips attempting to locate the individual.
Online Community Helps Identify Suspect
After the clip began trending, online users — particularly from TikTok and Reddit — began piecing together information about the suspect. Multiple users claimed to have seen him in other videos involving similar incidents, though authorities have not verified these claims.
The viral post has reignited public concern over safety on New York’s subway system, which has been the focus of numerous recent violent and unpredictable encounters.
Ongoing Concerns About NYC Subway Safety
Recent MTA data shows that transit crimes are up nearly 10% compared to last year, including assaults, robberies, and harassment incidents. Riders have increasingly expressed frustration over what they see as a decline in visible security presence.
“No matter what corporate media or Democrats tell you, NYC public transportation is getting more dangerous by the day,” one user wrote in the post. “Stay alert and keep your head on a swivel.”
Transit advocacy groups, however, caution that while viral incidents can amplify fear, they do not necessarily reflect the overall system’s safety. Still, videos like this one have deepened public anxiety about unpredictable behavior on trains and platforms.
Authorities Reviewing Incident
The New York Police Department has not yet released an official statement about the encounter or confirmed whether an investigation is underway. Riders who witnessed the incident are being urged to contact the NYPD Transit Bureau with any information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts.
Until then, passengers are being reminded to report suspicious behavior immediately and avoid direct confrontation when possible.
For updates on this developing story and other transit safety news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.