In New York City, a disturbing trend has emerged where young women are being randomly hit in the head by men on the streets, prompting over 10 women to share their experiences on TikTok.
The trend began with Halley Kate, a fashion and lifestyle content creator, who recorded a video shortly after being punched in the forehead by a stranger while walking down the street and looking at her phone. The video went viral, reaching over 40 million views, and led other women to come forward with similar stories.
One woman noted that the assaults seemed to be concentrated around the Union Square area, but others, like Kendall, reported being hit in Times Square, indicating that the attacks were happening in different parts of the city. This prompted one woman to create a map to track the incidents.
The videos have sparked concern and alarm among New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers alike, with many calling on the NYPD and others to address the issue. Some have suggested that the attacks may be related to a decade-old “game” called “The Knockout Game,” where young men try to knock out someone with a single blow.
In response, women are encouraging each other to stay vigilant, stay off their phones, and be prepared to defend themselves if necessary. Some are also calling on men to be aware of their surroundings and protect women they see on the street.
While Halley’s attacker has been arrested, the internet has ruled out the possibility that all the attacks were committed by the same person. The situation has raised concerns about safety in the city and has led some people to reconsider their travel or moving plans.
