In a recent Manhattan court session, Amira Hunter, 23, faced assault charges for allegedly attacking cellist Iain S. Forrest with a bottle as he performed in the Herald Square subway station on February 19. Initially, Hunter attempted to plead guilty, but her lawyer, Molly Kamus, intervened, leading to a conversation between them and eventually a decision to change the plea.
During the proceedings, Hunter displayed unusual behavior, wearing a beige prison jumpsuit and frequently sticking her tongue out at photographers. This court appearance followed a March 5 shoplifting arrest, violating her supervised release conditions set after the subway attack. In the new incident, she was accused of stealing a $325 Moncler baseball cap from a Midtown Nordstrom.
Woman Accused of Subway Cellist Attack Starts with Guilty Plea, Then Changes in Strange Court Moment (Credits: Yahoo News)
Despite Hunter’s attorney arguing for a minimal bail due to her financial situation, prosecutors pushed for a higher bail amount, ultimately succeeding in increasing it to $10,000 cash or a $10,000 partially insured bond. The judge highlighted Hunter’s failure to comply with supervised release rules, emphasizing her rearrest.
The subway attack, caught on video and subsequently gone viral, left Forrest injured and prompted concerns about the safety of subway performers. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for these entertainers, condemning Hunter’s actions and promising accountability for anyone endangering public transportation users.
Hunter is scheduled to return to court on June 20 to face the assault charges. The case underscores broader issues of safety in public spaces and the legal consequences for those who threaten it.
