NYC Transit Secures Conviction After Inspector Shot
Brooklyn man pleads guilty to attempted murder after shooting MTA fare inspector in leg
MTA Fare Evader Pleads Guilty to Shooting Inspector
A Brooklyn man who shot an MTA fare inspector after being asked to leave a bus pleaded guilty to five counts of attempted murder, officials confirmed. Samuel White entered his plea March 23 in Brooklyn Supreme Court, nearly three years after the April 2023 shooting that wounded one EAGLE team inspector. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber issued a statement emphasizing the agency's zero-tolerance stance on attacks against transit workers.
Context
The incident stemmed from a routine fare enforcement encounter on April 18, 2023, at 6:21 a.m. White boarded a B82 bus at the Flatlands Ave/Louisiana Ave stop without paying the fare, according to prosecutors. EAGLE team inspectors asked him to leave without issuing a ticket and escorted him off the bus. After the bus departed, White pulled out a gun and fired at the inspectors, hitting one in the leg. No passengers were injured during the shooting.
Investigation
Clear surveillance video from a bus camera helped investigators identify White quickly after the shooting. The NYPD arrested him the next day, on April 19, 2023, Brooklyn prosecutors said. Lieber attended the first day of White's trial to show support for MTA workers, officials said. The MTA chair credited the NYPD's investigation and Brooklyn prosecutors' persistence for securing the conviction. Officials didn't release details about White's sentencing date or potential prison term.
Agency Response
Lieber emphasized that the MTA won't tolerate attacks on workers who serve the public. The guilty plea represents accountability for violence against transit employees performing their duties, officials said. The agency didn't announce whether it's implementing additional safety measures for EAGLE team inspectors following the shooting. Details about the wounded inspector's recovery weren't provided by the MTA.
Rider Information
The conviction underscores the serious consequences riders face for assaulting transit workers during fare enforcement encounters. EAGLE team inspectors continue conducting fare checks across the MTA bus and subway system. Riders who can't pay fares should speak with inspectors rather than fleeing or becoming confrontational, transit officials said. Moovit provides real-time updates for MTA bus routes including the B82 line.
