UPDATE: A man accused of a disturbing spitting spree targeting white women in Brooklyn, New York, was brutally assaulted by vigilantes in a shocking turn of events captured on video. The incident involving Anthony Caines, 45, unfolded shortly after his arrest for three alleged attacks that took place on November 11 and 12, 2025.
The NYPD apprehended Caines on November 13, following reports of his unsettling behavior in Williamsburg. Victims described feeling “violated” after being spat on in the face by Caines, who now faces charges including aggravated harassment based on race or religion. One victim recounted, “I was completely caught off guard… What just happened to me?”
After pleading not guilty, Caines was released with an ankle monitor, but he soon became the target of a brutal street beating. Footage shared on social media platform X shows Caines curled in a fetal position as two unidentified men rain down punches and kicks. The vigilantes can be heard laughing as they deliver the attack, warning Caines, “Stop violating these females out here.”
The video shows a disoriented Caines with a bloody gash above his eye, struggling to defend himself. “I went to jail, didn’t I?” he protested, to which one attacker responded, “We’re worse than jail.” The assault raised questions about vigilantism and community responses to crime, as the NYPD reported they had not received a complaint regarding the vigilante attack.
Caines, who has a criminal history including prior arrests for domestic violence, remains the focus of an ongoing investigation. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is actively seeking more victims who may have faced similar attacks. This event highlights a concerning trend of spitting incidents against women across the country, with reports of similar attacks occurring as recently as last Sunday in Portland.
Authorities stress the importance of reporting such incidents to ensure a coordinated response to this rising threat. As the public grapples with the implications of self-styled justice, Caines’ case continues to draw attention, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding safety and crime.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
