Gay NYC Artist Attacked on Subway Platform, Community Steps Up to Offer Help
Jeremy Sorese is a New York City-based cartoonist and writer who works as an illustrator for The New York Times among other big-name clients. On the morning of Thursday, Aug. 1, he was the victim of a heinous crime that is considered by many big-city dwellers to be a “worst nightmare” scenario, a subway attack.
While Sorese was waiting to board the F train at the Broadway-Lafayette station in Manhattan, he was attacked and thrown onto the subway tracks. He suffered a broken hip in addition to other injuries and is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment.
Following the attack against Jeremy Sorese, friends of his created a GoFundMe page in an attempt to cover some of the exorbitant costs of medical care and his expected lost wages. Sorese will have sole access to the funds raised by the GoFundMe, which had been set for $30,000 but — at the time of this article’s publication — currently surpasses $38,000.
Sorese’s close friends are asking for donations in any amount.
The New York Post obtained video of the aggressor in this recent subway attack, a 41-year-old man whose actions and demeanor that day have led many to believe he’s mentally ill. The man allegedly shoved Jeremy Sorese onto the tracks, fracturing his hip and leaving him with cuts, cops said. The attacker — arrested on charges of assault and resisting arrest — also injured a police officer and stole another subway passenger’s cell phone.
Jeremy Sorese is said to be in stable condition, awaiting surgeries for his arm and hip. The GoFundMe page notes:
He has a long recovery process ahead, but considering the extreme circumstances we are all very grateful. … Though he does have some insurance coverage to help with the immediate medical bills relating to his hospitalization and surgeries, Jeremy will be unable to live normally or work for some time. A cartoonist and writer, he was about to begin a new teaching job, and was finishing his second book. Everything work related is now on hold for the foreseeable future due to the nature of the injuries.
“Your donations will help Jeremy focus on recovery and healing,” the GoFundMe page says.
Based out of Brooklyn, Jeremy Sorese’s first book, Curveball, was a science-fiction graphic novel published in 2015 and was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. Sorese also taught as an adjunct professor at the Maryland College of Art in 2016, according to the bio on his website. You can find more of Sorese’s work on his Instagram.
To donate to NYC artist Jeremy Sorese and his medical funds following this subway attack, head here.
Featured image courtesy Getty Images
