In a surprising turn of events in Manhattan court, Amira Hunter, a 23-year-old accused of assaulting a subway cellist with a bottle, initially declared her intention to plead guilty to the charges. This declaration, however, was quickly retracted following a whispered consultation with her lawyer, Molly Kamus, who intervened to prevent further statements. The scene unfolded before Judge Gregory Carro, who later accepted the change of plea.
Hunter’s appearance in court, marked by a beige prison jumpsuit and a series of smiles and tongue gestures directed at photographers, added a bizarre element to the proceedings. Her legal troubles stem from a February 19 incident where she allegedly attacked cellist Iain S. Forrest at the Herald Square subway station, a claim substantiated by emergency calls and subsequent police action.
Following the incident, Hunter faced additional legal woes, including a shoplifting charge related to the theft of a $325 Moncler baseball cap from a Midtown Nordstrom. This subsequent arrest led prosecutors to request an increase in her bail—a request that Judge Carro partially granted by setting Hunter’s bail at either $10,000 cash or a $10,000 partially insured bond, despite her lawyer’s plea for a minimal bail amount due to Hunter’s lack of income.
The court was informed that Hunter had not complied with the conditions of her supervised release, further complicating her defense. Despite her attorney’s assertion that Hunter is not inherently violent, the judge remained unmoved, emphasizing her failure to adhere to the supervised release guidelines and her re-arrest.
Hunter’s alleged assault on Forrest, captured in a widely circulated video, shows her approaching the musician from behind and striking him with a metal water bottle. The incident left Forrest, who had previously experienced attacks while performing in the subway, at a breaking point, expressing his frustration and calling for a safer environment for subway performers.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented on the case, stressing the importance of a safe performing space for subway musicians and the need to hold those who compromise public safety accountable. Hunter is scheduled to return to court on June 20, as the legal proceedings against her continue.