Queens Great-Grandmother Assaulted in Shocking Subway Attack
Midtown, NYC — Aurore Gonzalez, a 73-year-old great-grandmother from Queens, is grappling with the aftermath of a brutal and unprovoked attack in a Midtown subway station last month. In an exclusive interview, Gonzalez shared her fears and the continuing physical and emotional pain she experiences following the incident.
Unprovoked Attack
On May 1, 2025, Gonzalez was riding the E train to her job cleaning law offices when she encountered Marie McWilliams, a 36-year-old woman who, witnesses say, was speaking incoherently and making racist remarks. As Gonzalez stepped off the train at Fifth Avenue-53rd Street, McWilliams allegedly assaulted her from behind.
“I heard a sudden ‘bop!’ and then I fell backward, landing in a terrible situation—into a homeless person’s belongings,” Gonzalez recalled, visibly shaken by the events. The vicious attack left Gonzalez with two black eyes and deep cuts on her face caused by a blade.
Life Altered by Fear
Gonzalez, who has two great-grandchildren and five grandchildren, now finds it difficult to ride the subway due to persistent anxiety. “I can’t shake the feeling that she’s right behind me,” she lamented. The ordeal has taken a toll on her physical health, resulting in kidney issues, migraines, and ongoing pain that requires medication.
“I couldn’t sleep for two weeks,” Gonzalez said, emphasizing the emotional scars the incident has left on her life. “At night during my job, I would just cry.”
Justice Served
Marie McWilliams was arrested shortly after the attack and charged with assault. During her arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court, the judge granted her supervised release despite prosecutorial requests for bail. Gonzalez expressed relief at McWilliams’ arrest and pledged to testify against her: “I am so happy to hear this. She should not have done that. She should keep her hands to herself!”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unfortunate realities faced by many in public spaces. As Gonzalez continues to navigate her recovery, she hopes for justice, not just for herself, but for others.
As the investigation unfolds, community responses and safety measures in public transit systems remain a critical focus for residents and authorities alike.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.