OUTRAGE ON THE METRO: D.C. MAN SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT ABOARD TRAIN
A Washington, D.C. commuter’s worst nightmare came true last April when a woman riding the Metro was assaulted in broad daylight—trapped, terrorized, and violated by a man who saw an opportunity and took it. Now, after nearly a year of legal battles, justice has been served—but is 45 months behind bars really enough?
Anthony Garner, 37, was sentenced to just under four years in prison for a disturbing sexual assault that unfolded aboard a Green Line train, traveling from Maryland into D.C. Prosecutors say Garner’s predatory behavior was calculated, vile, and carried out in plain view of other passengers—yet somehow, it still escalated to unimaginable levels before law enforcement intervened.
A Ride Turned Nightmare
According to court records, the victim boarded at Suitland station on April 16, 2023, expecting a routine commute. But within moments, her sense of safety was shattered. Garner initially sat across from her before moving closer—until she noticed his penis was exposed. As she tried to signal for help, he played it off, shifting seats, only to return minutes later and escalate his attack.
By the time the train approached L’Enfant Plaza, the horror reached new extremes. The victim attempted to escape, but Garner blocked her path, spewing a disgusting threat: “You can get off, but she isn’t going anywhere. You’re not going anywhere until I bust a nut.” The predator then physically restrained her, grabbed her body, and continued his assault—while other passengers sat horrified.
A Shocking Final Act
Even as bystanders became aware of the unfolding horror, Garner had the audacity to claim that the victim was his girlfriend. His sickening assault only ended when he ejaculated on the victim, moments before they both exited the train at Fort Totten.
Desperate and traumatized, the woman immediately reported the attack to a Metro station manager, who called in law enforcement. Meanwhile, Garner attempted to slip away by boarding another train heading in the opposite direction—but justice was swift. Officers from the Metro Transit Police Department tracked him down at Gallery Place Metro, where the victim identified him on the spot. He was arrested and has remained in custody ever since.
Is Justice Being Served?
On July 10, 2024, Garner pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse. His punishment? A mere 45 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and 10 years on the sex offender registry. But after the terror he inflicted, is that enough?
With violent crimes on public transit surging, this case raises urgent questions: How was this allowed to happen in broad daylight? Why did passengers not intervene sooner? And most importantly, will this sentence do anything to stop predators like Garner from preying on innocent commuters in the future?
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. praised the swift work of law enforcement and prosecutors who helped bring this case to justice. But for Metro riders across the region, one chilling fact remains: monsters like Anthony Garner don’t disappear after one arrest.
Stay vigilant. Stay aware. And never assume you’re safe—because as this case proves, predators are lurking, even in the places you least expect.