On August 19, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced it will be urging that Alexander Wright, who is facing charges of felony assault in the second degree, assault in the third degree and harassment in the second degree following an attack on NYC Transit Cleaner Anthony Nelson, be banned from the MTA’s subways, commuter railroads, buses, or other conveyances or facilities.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber intends to send a letter to Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark requesting that upon conviction, a judge issue an order banning Wright from the transit system for three years, the maximum penalty available under the law. “Attacks on transit workers are unacceptable and we must do everything we can to prevent them and keep our customers and employees safe,” said Chair Lieber. “Given the horrific actions of Mr. Wright and his long history of arrests — some of which were for similarly violent attacks — this penalty is warranted. Individuals who assault transit workers have no place on our subways, buses, and trains.”
“No one’s job description should include looking over their shoulder in fear of being assaulted,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “While we will continue to work with our law enforcement and legal partners, we cannot stand idly by as these assaults continue. The message behind the ban we are seeking is simple: if you prove to be a danger to New Yorkers, you should not be allowed back into the transit system, period.” “We are tired of seeing our members get assaulted daily for no good reason,” said TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano. “Prosecutors and judges must hold people accountable for their actions and ensure that transit workers can do their job safely.” Nelson was assaulted at the Pelham Bay Park station on August 11, 2022, after receiving a report that Wright was harassing customers outside of the station. When Nelson went to assist the riders, he was viciously attacked from behind.
Wright’s record includes at least 13 prior arrests, some of them within the transit system. Wright was arrested three times on the same day, May 10, 2021, for two assaults and criminal mischief resulting in property damage.
