NYC Transit Union Demands Removal of Judges Releasing Assailants

The union representing New York City transit workers is calling for the removal of judges who release individuals accused of assaulting transit employees, as attacks on these workers continue to rise. The Transport Workers Union Local 100 has expressed frustration over recent cases where alleged perpetrators were released without bail, leading to further alleged offenses.

This year, 87 on-duty New York City Transit and MTA bus employees have been assaulted, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 36% rise from 2024. John Chiarello, president of TWU Local 100, stated that two specific cases, involving assailants who allegedly attacked workers and were subsequently released, have left him "mad as hell."

The union is reportedly considering actions, including potential demonstrations, to advocate for the removal of these judges.

One case highlighted by the union involves Thywill Anasu, who is accused of assaulting a BxM1 bus operator, Johnny Rodriguez, on April 4. According to a Westchester County indictment, Anasu allegedly placed Rodriguez, 59, in a chokehold after a minor vehicle collision and slammed his head onto the pavement. Rodriguez suffered two brain bleeds, a concussion, and continues to experience vertigo and brain fog.

Despite the Westchester County District Attorney's office requesting $50,000 cash bail, Judge George Fufidio reportedly set bail at $5,000 cash or $50,000 bond. Anasu, who stated he runs a pressure-cleaning business, posted bail.

Four months later, Anasu was arrested again in the Bronx, accused of assaulting an FDNY fire marshal in uniform. The Bronx District Attorney's Office sought $50,000 cash bail, but Bronx Judge Michele Davila reportedly released Anasu on supervised release.

Another incident involved a Times Square subway station cleaner who sustained a deep slash wound to his arm on August 24. The cleaner allegedly angered Jhon Hurtado Olmos by asking him to move so he could clean an area. Olmos, who was arrested nine days later, had bail set at $30,000 by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. However, Judge Shirin Zarabi reportedly released Olmos on supervised release.

Union president Chiarello questioned the judicial decisions, asking, "Does this man have to kill somebody before he's remanded to jail?"

In response to inquiries, an Office of Court Administration spokesman stated that bail decisions involve a discretionary weighing of factors to assess a defendant's risk of flight, considering information from both prosecutors and defense counsel. The spokesman declined to comment on specific bail decisions.

This situation echoes a past instance where Supreme Court Judge Naita Semaj was reportedly expected to move from criminal to civil court in 2023 amid a judicial probe into alleged misconduct and controversy surrounding her decision to release an alleged killer without bail.