NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A Bronx man was indicted on Monday for making homophobic remarks and slashing a gay man who was riding the subway in Midtown last month.
Milton Hamlin, 46, a registered sex offender, was charged with multiple felony counts including assault as a hate crime, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced.
The slashing happened on March 1 as Hamlin was seated near a 27-year-old gay man and his husband on a northbound A train in Midtown, according to court documents.
The couple were discussing a drag show they had attended earlier when Hamlin started to make homophobic remarks towards them, calling out, “F****t, gay, motherf****r,” according to the indictment.
Hamlin then pulled out a sharp object and swung it toward the victim's head and neck. Despite the victim's attempt to shield himself with his hand, Hamlin managed to slash the victim's hand and cut his neck.
The victim had to get four stitches to close the cut on his hand.
Hamlin was arrested a few days later.
“As alleged, Milton Hamlin viciously and without provocation, spewed derogatory remarks before attacking a man because of his sexual orientation,” Bragg said. “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.”
Hamlin was charged 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.
He pleaded not guilty and will be back in court on June 24.