NYC Subway Incident Witness Comes Forth, Gives ‘Hero’ Marine the Defense He Needs

On the morning of August 1st, a heartwarming story emerged from the bustling New York City Subway system. A U.S. Marine, who was being hailed as a hero for bravely intervening in a potentially fatal altercation, was in danger of facing disciplinary action due to his use of force. However, a witness to the incident has come forth and provided the defense that the Marine needs to clear his name.

The incident occurred at around 6:15 a.m. on the N train platform at the 96th Street station in Manhattan. According to eyewitness accounts, a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol began harassing a woman who was waiting for the train. The situation quickly escalated, and the man turned violent, pushing the woman to the ground.

That’s when the Marine, whose name is Sgt. Matthew D. Rodriguez, stepped in. Rodriguez was on his way to work and was wearing his military uniform at the time. He approached the man and attempted to de-escalate the situation verbally. When that didn’t work, he used his martial arts training to subdue the man and prevent him from harming anyone else.

While many people praised Rodriguez for his heroic actions, some were critical of his use of force. Rodriguez was informed by his superiors that he could face disciplinary action for violating the military’s rules regarding the use of force outside of combat situations.

However, a witness to the incident has come forth and provided testimony that supports Rodriguez’s actions. The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, was waiting for the same train as the woman who was being harassed. In a statement given to the media, the witness said, “The Marine didn’t want to use force, but it was clear that the man was out of control and could have seriously hurt someone. The Marine acted quickly and decisively to protect the woman and the other passengers on the platform. I believe he did the right thing.”

The witness’s statement has been shared with Rodriguez’s superiors, and it is hoped that it will help clear him of any disciplinary action. The incident has also sparked a larger conversation about the use of force in situations like this. Many people are calling on the military to review their policies in order to better support servicemembers who are faced with similar situations.

In the meantime, Sgt. Matthew D. Rodriguez continues to serve our country with honor and distinction. His quick thinking and bravery on that fateful August morning are a testament to his commitment to protecting and serving the public.