In a moment of terror, panic and confusion, some people ran to safety. Some had been shot and couldn’t run. And for them, there were the people who stayed to help.

We don’t even know some of their names. But there they were on the subway platform, unexpectedly called to action and helping people they had never seen before.

What You Need To Know

  • New Yorkers stepped up when a man set off smoke grenades and fired into a train during the morning rush hour

  • People triaged their fellow straphangers on the platform

  • MTA workers ushered commuters to safety on other trains

  • Sharp-eyed New Yorkers called the police as the city searched for a suspect

"We saw New Yorkers in a difficult situation, in an emergency, helping each other,” MTA CEO Janno Lieber said. “That's the subway riders. That's who New Yorkers are."

They stepped up not even knowing whether there was more gunfire coming.

The MTA workers at the station and on the trains showed their courage — realizing that one train could be a place of shelter from the terror on the other.

"The MTA workers who, through their quick action, averted any more tragedy this morning,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “All the fellow riders this morning who stepped up to help people when they're down and injured, just another testament to how incredible New Yorkers are."

Claire Tunkel is one of the many who helped. She tied her jacket around a stranger's leg — and a shopping bag around someone else’s injuries.

"It was surreal and long and short all at the same time," she said.

Above ground, first responders flooded Fourth Avenue. Making sure commuters turned back. Helping kids to get safely into their schools. For almost 30 hours — we had each other’s backs. Still riding the subway, but looking over our shoulders.

And then when the NYPD asked New Yorkers to be the eyes of the city, we looked everywhere. And it worked. When the suspect appeared in the East Village — the calls to Crimestoppers poured in.

Zack Tahhan recalled the moment he spotted the city’s most wanted man.

“This is the guy. This is the guy,” said Tahhan.

An attack on the subway is an attack on all of us. And it’s moments like this when our city shows its resilience.

"We cannot say enough about everyday New Yorkers," Mayor Eric Adams said.

For stepping up for our city, the people who helped in a moment of crisis are our New Yorkers of the Week.