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A 71-year-old woman, Linda Rosa, bravely defended herself against a violent attack by four teenage girls on New Year's Day in a New York City subway station. Rosa, a retired Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) worker, was on her way to a church service when the incident occurred at Hoyt Street station in Brooklyn.
Rosa told The New York Post that as she exited the No. 3 train, one of the teens attempted to snatch her purse. Rosa resisted, saying to herself, "Oh, no, this is not going to happen today."
Despite being punched in the face, causing her glasses to fall, Rosa continued to hold onto her belongings. The attackers managed to grab a pocket pouch containing her ID and medical records.
Rosa fought back by grabbing the hair of two of the girls and holding them down while calling for help. Eventually, the teens fled the scene, leaving Rosa to collect her scattered belongings. She proceeded to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, where staff assisted her and called 911.
She was taken to The Brooklyn Hospital Center for treatment.
Despite the ordeal, Rosa expressed gratitude for not being more seriously injured and forgave her attackers, attributing their actions to youthful foolishness.
The NYPD released footage of the suspects, who remain at large.