By Isiah Christie
After about a week, an unfortunate incident of an attack at a New Jersey PATH Station has citizens concerned about security and safety amidst transportation. On the evening of Thursday, July 17, 2025, a man was attacked at the Journal Square PATH Station. The victim – who has still not been identified by name, but has been described as diagnosed with special needs – was idling around 4:50 PM and sitting on the floor of the concourse when he was hit on the head with a brick. He was reportedly waiting for his sister before the attack commenced, which left him sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood. He has been hospitalized with a variety of injuries, including head trauma, according to local police.
The assailant was identified as Troy Laboo, who is noted for having a “long criminal history” according to authorities. He was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim and weapons offenses, creating the potential for a major sentence. With him was Shana Davis, 37 years old, who has also been noted for previous crimes – including a trespassing charge earlier this year, which was reported by Secaucus Police. Davis was charged with conspiracy to commit attempted murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim and weapons offenses.
This instance has generated vocal concern among Jersey City citizens and fear for their safety in what should be a safe public area. The PATH stations have been noted for attracting loiterers and train-hoppers, who often bypass the gates illegally and disturb fare-payers. Some concerned individuals argue that there is not enough police action to moderate the nuisance. “Notice how the POLICE are NEVER where they are supposed to be. [Do] you ever notice them just sitting in squad cars. Engines running. Appearing visually to be doing NOTHING AT ALL????”, u/TucosLostHand of the Jersey City subreddit expressed in anger. There is a growing resentment towards the actions and priorities of train station police – including the occasional lack thereof – and whether they are there to meet quotas versus be present for these unfortunate happenings.
The New York-New Jersey Port Authority, who are in charge of the PATH system, have also received criticisms for their coverage of the situation. There have been no official announcements made by the Port Authority educating passengers of the situation, which is not uncommon. “Note how the police benevolent association is reporting this and not the Port Authority. If the Port Authority had its way we never would have heard about this.”, u/GreenMoneyMachines of the Jersey City subreddit pointed out. “[I] know a guy who was slashed in the face at random on the steps of the Hoboken station last year and there wasn’t a single news report on it,” he stressed.
This does not necessarily determine whether or not the Port Authority is inherently corrupt, although their lack of coverage could certainly be an issue. This situation, as well as the reaction to it, should ultimately be seen as a reminder for passengers to remain aware of their surroundings, understand how to protect themselves, and keep tabs on local alerts regarding the PATH train and potential issues.
