Full Breakdown
Brooklyn Spitting Incidents Prompt Bail Reform Debate
4/26/2026, 2:50:37 AM
Spitting Attacks in Williamsburg: Core Facts
On November 11-12 2025, Anthony Caines, 45, allegedly spat directly into the faces of four white women in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The assaults occurred at 285 Broadway (10:05 a.m.), Bedford Avenue & Grand Street (?12 p.m.), Marcy Avenue & South Fourth Street (10:40 p.m.), and outside 186 Grand Street (8:00 a.m.) the next morning.
Legal Background and Bail Reform Context
Caines’ record includes arrests for domestic violence and contempt of court. His release followed New York’s bail-reform framework, enacted under Governor Kathy Hochul, which allows supervised release for many non-felony defendants.
Key Actors
The principal individuals are Anthony Caines (suspect), four white female victims (one a college student), Councilman Robert Holden (District 30), the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the Brooklyn Police Department, the New York State Legislature, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Timeline of Incidents and Judicial Actions
Nov 11 2025, 10:05 a.m.: first spit at 285 Broadway. ~12 p.m.: second spit at Bedford Ave & Grand St. 10:40 p.m.: third spit at Marcy Ave & South Fourth St. Nov 12 2025, 8:00 a.m.: fourth spit at 186 Grand St. Nov 13 2025: Caines arrested on aggravated harassment charges. Nov 14 2025: Court granted supervised release with an ankle monitor after a not-guilty plea.
Charges and Release Conditions
The case involves four incidents and four victims. Caines faces aggravated harassment charges based on race or religion. No felony charge was filed, which would have required detention. He was released under electronic (ankle-monitor) supervision.
Public Safety and Policy Implications
The incident raises questions about whether New York’s bail-reform provisions adequately address hate-motivated harassment and whether supervised release can reliably protect the public.
Official Responses
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office announced a search for additional victims. Police confirmed that security-camera footage identified Caines. Court filings recorded the supervised-release order.
Critique of Bail Policies
Councilman Robert Holden criticized the bail-reform framework, claiming it allows violent offenders to remain free and urging the State Legislature to reverse the policies to protect women.
Victim Testimonies
A college-student victim said she felt violated, while another reported being caught off guard by the spitting.
Unresolved Issues
The reason no felony charge was filed is not explained. Caines has not commented, and neither Governor Hochul nor the State Legislature has responded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just felt so violated,” — Unnamed victim, college student
- “I was completely caught off guard,” — Unnamed victim
- “This is what happens when Kathy Hochul’s bail reform experiment and the religious experiments of the left let violent offenders walk free with no consequences,” — Councilman Robert Holden, New York City Council
- “Until the State Legislature reverses these disastrous policies, New Yorkers, especially women, will continue to be victimized on our streets.” — Councilman Robert Holden
Next Steps
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office continues to seek additional complainants, and local officials indicate a possible legislative review of bail-reform statutes.
