Subway hammer attack

From the City of Brotherly Love, surveillance video and news story of a subway attack by a hammer-wielding attacker:



Story here.

The victim was reportedly sleeping and/or listening to his iPod when the attack occurred. From the news segment the victim reportedly did not know his attacker (perhaps it was a case of mistaken identity). The attack apparently lasted for five minutes, which is a very long time in a fight. Reportedly, none of the bystanders intervened.

The attack is a reminder to stay alert and aware of your surroundings whenever possible -- sleeping or listening to your iPod in public spaces is not conducive to maintaining good situational awareness. Of course, a good defensive mindset is essential, and defensive tools are useful in such situations as well. Don't expect help, or anyone to intervene on your behalf. You're on your own, so plan on winning the fight on your own.