A brutal scene unfolded on a Williamsburg sidewalk, leaving Anthony Caines, a 45-year-old man known for alleged attacks, bloodied and vulnerable. Two unidentified men delivered a harsh, swift punishment, captured on video and quickly spreading across social media platforms.
The footage reveals Caines curled into a defensive position as the attackers relentlessly kicked and punched him. Their voices, filled with anger, demanded he “Stop violating these females out here, you heard?” – a clear reference to his past alleged actions.
The assault occurred outside a hair salon on Sixth Street, though the precise date remains unknown. Caines sustained visible injuries, including a deep gash above his left eye and a significant swelling on his right side, his cries of pain echoing as blood streamed down his face.
The attackers, faces obscured, continued their assault with chilling indifference, even laughing as they struck blows. One final, forceful punch brought the attack to a close before they walked away, leaving Caines in distress.
“We’re tired of that s–t. You’re making us look bad,” one of the men declared, expressing a deep-seated frustration. When Caines pleaded, stating he had already served jail time, the response was stark: “F–k jail — we’re worse than jail.”
This incident follows Caines’ recent arrest for a series of alleged spitting attacks targeting women in Williamsburg. He had pleaded not guilty to charges, including aggravated harassment, and was released the very next day while awaiting trial.
His release was facilitated by New York’s bail reform policies, a point of contention for many who view them as too lenient. The swiftness of his return to the streets seemingly fueled the anger that culminated in the street-side confrontation.
The video’s emergence has ignited a fierce debate, raising questions about vigilante justice and the effectiveness of current legal measures in addressing alleged criminal behavior. It’s a stark illustration of public frustration boiling over.
