Halley Kate opens up on public safety after being punched in New York City

Halley Kate has opened up about how a violent street attack in New York City reshaped but did not define her relationship with the city.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Not So Little podcast on April 23, the 25-year-old content creator revisited the 2024 incident in which she was punched by a stranger while walking in New York City. 

Her comments came shortly after the attacker was sentenced to three to nine years in state prison earlier this month.

Kate explained that despite the seriousness of the assault, she did not allow it to significantly alter her day-to-day life in the city. 

“Maybe it’s ’cause I’ve lived here so long, but it really didn’t affect me that much,” she said, adding that she returned outside just hours after the incident.

She also pushed back on the idea that New York City is inherently unsafe, describing the perception as exaggerated. 

“I don’t want to set one freak incident as the status quo,” she said, noting that such experiences do not reflect her overall life in the city.

While maintaining her confidence in urban life, Kate acknowledged that the experience did make her more cautious. 

She said she is now more aware of her surroundings when walking and has changed some habits, such as avoiding being distracted by her phone in public spaces.

Kate added that she generally feels safe in New York, even more so than in unfamiliar smaller towns, though she emphasized the importance of vigilance regardless of location.

The assault occurred in March 2024 and led to a high-profile legal case. The attacker, identified as Skiboky Stora, was convicted earlier this year and sentenced on April 14.

According to prosecutors, the attack was part of a broader pattern of violent and antisemitic behavior linked to the defendant, who also faced additional allegations in unrelated incidents. 

Authorities confirmed that protective orders were issued for the victims involved in the case.

Despite the trauma of the incident, Kate said she has chosen not to let fear dictate her lifestyle, instead focusing on awareness and resilience as she continues living and working in New York City.