Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the indictment of MILTON HAMLIN, 46, for making homophobic remarks and slashing a 27-year-old gay man who was riding the subway in Midtown. HAMLIN is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Assault in the First Degree as a Hate Crime, Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime and Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime. [1]

“As alleged, Milton Hamlin viciously and without provocation, spewed derogatory remarks before attacking a man because of his sexual orientation,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Subway riders deserve to be safe while using our transit system, and we do not tolerate attacks rooted in discrimination. My office will work to pursue full accountability in this case and I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”   

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on March 1, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., HAMLIN was sitting near the victim and the victim’s husband while aboard a northbound “A” train in Midtown.  

As the couple was discussing a drag show they had attended earlier that night, HAMLIN made several homophobic remarks towards them, stating in substance, “F*ggot, gay, motherf—.” 

After making the remarks, HAMLIN pulled out a sharp object and swung it towards the victim’s head and neck. The victim attempted to avoid being slashed by using his hand to cover his neck. Eventually, HAMLIN slashed the victim’s hand and cut his neck. The victim’s laceration to his hand required four stitches to close.    

HAMLIN was arrested a few days later.  

Assistant D.A. Matthew Bayley is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Constantine Coritsidis (Deputy Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit), Hannah Yu (Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Trial Preparation Assistants Audrey Blumenstock and Grace Shrestha, Hate Crimes Unit Senior Investigative Analyst Julie Anne Lim and Hate Crimes Unit Investigative Analyst Caleb Brown are assisting with the prosecution.  

D.A. Bragg thanked the members of the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, specifically Detective Lysette Felicianotengco.    

Defendant Information:
MILTON HAMLIN
Bronx, NY

Charged:

• Attempted Assault in the First Degree as a Hate Crime, a class B felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime, a class E felony, one count

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