Brooklyn, New York City’s Amira Hunter accused of attacking subway cellist Iain Forrest

Amira Hunter, 23, of Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States has been arrested. She is accused of attacking Iain Forrest, 29, a medical student and an electric cellist performing as Eyeglasses as part of the Music Under New York volunteer program.

In 2016, Forrest started playing in subway stations. In May 2023, he was performing at the Times Square–42nd Street station in Manhattan, New York City when he was attacked by Rendell Robinson, 40, who was later arrested and charged with robbery.

Robinson was jailed at Rikers Island in the Bronx, New York City. For around two months, the New York City Police Department gave Forrest extra protection during his subway performances.

After my attack in the NYC subway, I shared my story on national television. It was a difficult decision, but I believe we need everyone’s help to catch the suspect who is still out there and may harm again, as well as shed light on the dangers subway performers face daily… pic.twitter.com/DgyIkM3TSM

— Iain S. Forrest, PhD (@IainSForrest) February 22, 2024

At around 5:50 p.m. on February 13, 2024, Forrest was performing “Titanium” by Sia at the 34th Street Herald Square subway station in Manhattan when Hunter walked behind him. Hunter was wearing a brown fur coat, a black winter hat, a burgundy scarf and a crossbody bag,

The encounter was filmed. Hunter grabbed Forrest’s metal water bottle and hit him in the head with it. After the attack, she fled the scene.

On February 28, 2024, Hunter was arrested and charged with second-degree assault. On February 29, 2024, she appeared before Judge Marva Brown in New York Supreme Court in New York City.

Hunter has seven prior arrests. Despite this, she was released by Judge Marva Brown under supervision citing her lack of a significant criminal history.