D.A. Bragg Announces Indictments In Two Separate August Transit Attacks

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the separate indictments of BRANDON BALFOUR, 18, and CARLOS RIVERA, 24, for two alleged different August 2025 attacks against women within the subway system. BALFOUR is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. He is additionally charged with two counts of Robbery in the First Degree. [1] RIVERA is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. [1]

"As alleged, Brandon Balfour and Carlos Rivera committed separate, vicious attacks underground using weapons," said District Attorney Bragg. "These horrifying acts of violence significantly injured two women, including one who needed life-saving surgery. Safety in our subways is paramount, and we will hold accountable those who bring weapons into our transit system and harm New Yorkers. I wish both victims full and speedy recoveries."

Indictment of Brandon Balfour

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on August 6, 2025, a 29-year-old woman, who does not communicate verbally, was onboard a northbound 3 train. At approximately 11:00 p.m., as the train approached the Wall Street and Williams Street station, BALFOUR approached the woman, who was alone in the train car, and stood by her. Feeling uncomfortable, the woman attempted to walk away from BALFOUR.

BALFOUR allegedly followed her, took out a large knife approximately 14-16 inches in length, and stabbed her in the back and arm, causing her to fall to the ground. During the stabbing, the woman attempted to fight BALFOUR off, cutting her hands several times. BALFOUR allegedly took the woman's cellphone and fled the train car. The woman was transported to the hospital and was treated for two wounds to her left arm and a wound to her back, for which she had to undergo extensive emergency surgery, including for a punctured diaphragm and collapsed lung.

BALFOUR was arrested on August 8, 2025, at a shelter in Queens. Officers recovered the woman's cellphone and a face mask BALFOUR was seen wearing during the incident.

Assistant D.A. Michael Kelley is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Alfred Peterson (Senior Trial Counsel and former Acting Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70), David Hammer (Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Paralegal Drew Halpern (Trial Bureau 70) provided invaluable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective John Williams of the Manhattan Transit Crimes Squad.

Defendant Information:

BRANDON BALFOUR

New York, NY

Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Robbery in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count

Indictment of Carlos Rivera

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on August 5, 2025, at approximately 6:25 p.m., a 25-year-old woman was walking down the staircase to enter the subway station at West 23rd Street and 8th Avenue in Chelsea. As the woman walked past, RIVERA, who was standing in the middle of the staircase, allegedly slashed her on the left side of her torso with a sharp object, unprovoked. RIVERA allegedly immediately left the scene, walking towards the street level.

The woman was transported to the hospital, where she was treated for a wound to her torso.

RIVERA was arrested outside of a shelter where he was staying on August 6, 2025.

Assistant D.A. Nikolai De Jesus is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Jesse Matthews (Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 30), Elizabeth Clerkin (Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 30), Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Trial Preparation Assistant Callie Paul-LaRonca (Trial Bureau 30) is providing invaluable assistance in this case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officer Michael Auriemmo and Detective John Williams of the Manhattan Transit Crimes Squad. He also thanked Transit Division District 2 officers, who responded to the scene.

Defendant Information:

CARLOS RIVERA

New York, NY

Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.