Attack on Asian Family on Philly Train Following Dispute Over AirPods Sharing

SEPTA police are investigating a violent attack against four Asian high school students on the Broad Street Line, which took place shortly after school on Wednesday. The incident has raised deep concerns from parents and officials on student safety. SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel stated that the suspects involved in the attack, aged between 13 to 16, could face multiple charges, including ethnic intimidation and aggravated assault. In the video, the perpetrators can be heard calling the victims racist slurs.

SEPTA has announced that they will install an escort service for students immediately at Olney Station, and a police officer will now be stationed at the stop each day. All victims attended Central High School, and cell phone and SEPTA surveillance video captured the altercation, which officials have described as "disturbing."

The fight broke out after a verbal altercation, and it quickly turned violent, with a teenage girl hitting another teenage girl, who is confirmed to be of Asian descent, and dragging her to the ground. Three others joined in to repeatedly beat, stomp, and yell at the girl on the ground. One suspect is seen using her shoe to beat the victim.

Within an hour of the attack, a transit officer at Olney Station identified two of the suspects. The next morning, police visited Central High School to continue the investigation. They found three of the suspects, and a fourth attacker was reported by her mother after viewing the video.

The victims were four Asian students, the teen girl who stepped in, and three teen boys. The school district stated that the girl who was attacked was trying to speak up for someone who may have been a victim of bullying. Councilmember Helen Gym called her a hero for intervening to help other students.

This incident is a reminder of the need to prioritize student safety and address harassment and violence in our schools.