Transit brass and union members packed a Bronx courtroom Thursday as Alexander Wright — the man accused of ambushing and brutally beating subway cleaner Anthony Nelson in August 2022 — appeared before Judge Kim Parker.
Around two dozen transit workers wearing union regalia sat with Nelson in the gallery, joined by NYC Transit President Rich Davey.
Wright’s appearance before the court — clad in a tan, Rikers-issued jumpsuit — was brief.
His attorney, Claudia Montoya, explained to Parker that Wright was awaiting the results of an application to move the trial to a diversionary court better suited to defendants with mental health issues.
Prosecutors told the court they had no objection to the diversionary application.
Parker adjourned the court until May 29.
As Wright left, a woman seated among the transit workers shouted after him, “bastard!”
Wright stands accused of pouncing on Nelson at the Pelham Bay Park station on the No. 6 line after the transit worker came to the aid of several women whom cops say Wright was harassing.
Prosecutors said Wright slammed Nelson to the ground, breaking the transit worker’s collarbone and nose.
Nelson required multiple surgeries following the attack, and has been unable to return to work, union officials say.
Previously MTA officials have sought to ban Wright from the city’s public transit system. Wright’s rap sheet includes at least 13 prior arrests.
Wright’s case has been winding its way through Bronx Supreme Court after a back-and-forth over his mental fitness to stand trial. Thursday’s adjournment pending a mental health evaluation frustrated TWU leadership.
“Quite frankly, I think its bull—t,” said Robert Kelley, who represents TWU’s station workers. “He has been evaluated. This is pushing things off,” Kelley said.
“Our member, Mr. Nelson, has a lifetime sentence — three surgeries, excruciating pain, mental anguish on a daily basis,” Kelley continued. “And this is the kind of goddamn support we get? Totally unacceptable.”
Nelson told reporters that “we’re trying to get a certain respect and a certain precedent set for New York City transit workers.
“I don’t care if you’re underground, I don’t care if you’re on an elevated platform, I don’t care if you’re on a bus — there’s a level of protection and respect that needs to be seen when you see an MTA worker.”
