Layla Law-Gisiko, the president of the City Club of New York, a prominent group advocating for the implementation of New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan, was allegedly attacked at a Manhattan subway station on Saturday. The incident occurred just hours before the city’s congestion pricing program officially went into effect.
Law-Gisiko shared the details of the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing the harrowing encounter that took place around 3:30 p.m. at a subway station. According to Law-Gisiko, the assailant, identified as 45-year-old Timothy Elliot, approached her while pushing a shopping cart and screamed at her before spitting in her hair. The situation escalated when the individual followed her into a mezzanine corridor, struck her with the cart, and caused her to collide with a wall. She said the assailant also threatened to push her down a flight of stairs.
Law-Gisiko immediately contacted 9-1-1 to report the attack. Approximately 25 minutes later, police arrived, took her statement, and eventually located the suspect. The suspect was arrested and charged with harassment and assault. According to the New York Post, Elliot was later released on a desk appearance ticket.
“I am shaken, with a bruised ankle and a sore shoulder from being pushed into the wall,” Law-Gisiko said, describing the emotional and physical toll the attack had taken on her. “This has been a distressing and painful experience.”
The attack on Law-Gisiko occurred just one day before New York City’s much-debated congestion pricing program went live. The program, which has been years in the making, is designed to reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the city, particularly in Manhattan’s busiest areas.
Congestion pricing charges vehicles entering Manhattan’s “Congestion Relief Zone,” which covers streets south of 60th Street. During peak hours, the fee for passenger vehicles is set at $9, while larger vehicles like trucks and buses can be charged up to $14.40. Lower fees are applied during off-peak hours, and drivers who have already paid tolls on bridges and tunnels into the city may receive discounts.
The program also affects taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, making it a broad-reaching initiative designed to reduce traffic volume while encouraging more use of public transportation.
The City Club of New York, which Law-Gisiko leads, has been a vocal supporter of congestion pricing. However, the program’s launch has not been without controversy, especially amid ongoing safety concerns regarding the city’s subway system.
The New York City subway system has seen a marked increase in violent crime, leading to rising public anxiety. According to recent NYPD data, murders across the subway system spiked by 60% in 2024, with violent crime becoming a significant issue for both commuters and transit workers.
The public’s unease about using the subway system due to safety concerns has only intensified following high-profile incidents of violence in recent months, like the homeless woman recently set ablaze by an illegal immigrant, adding a layer of complexity to the debate over congestion pricing. Critics argue that the city should prioritize making public transit safer before moving forward with programs like congestion pricing that arguably force commuters onto the subway.
READ NEXT: Tone-Deaf Leadership: Governor Hochul Touts Subway Safety Amid Horrific NYC Subway Tragedy
Finally, the reality of the situation got right into the face of someone promoting the use of public transportation. Why not hire bouncers to occupy every subway car, and at the turnstiles? It took too long for the cops to show up, despite the fact they caught him later. He could have just as easily gotten away.
Undoubtedly a gun control dem wit as well who doesn’t believe that self defense should be allowed.