It is the quintessential New York scene -- straphangers cramming into or even running into a subway car.
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It's safe to say that a commuter's worst nightmare is being trapped on a train while a gunman opens fire and having to run for safety.
"Not crazy about the fact that I'm taking the train. I have kids," a local mother said. "I'm not going to lie. It's definitely unnerving."
Carrie Miceli witnessed the aftermath on a different train that had pulled into the 36th Street station.
ALSO READ | Witnesses describe chaotic scene after NYC subway shootings
"Ten minutes later we finally move, then as we go past the woman looking out the window closest to me said there's blood everywhere," Miceli said.
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Tuesday morning's shooting on the N train in Sunset Park comes at a time when the MTA is still trying repair its image and reassure riders it's safe to return to the subways.
One rider believes all the pushings, stabbings, beatings, shootings are acts of warfare breaking us down.
"It brings about a low-grade of depression," she said. "It was a real crazy experience. Very frightening. It's like are we safe?"
Of course, that's not the mindset among those who have no choice but to ride for work or school.
"It's definitely scary for people who gotta go to work, then they got kids on the train, it's very scary," said James Stephens said.
For millions, subways are their only way to travel and so they get back on the horse despite their fears.
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Amid a nearly two-year spike in crime, including people being pushed in front of trains, Tuesday's mass shooting raised concerns to a new level.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is promising an even greater police presence underground.
"This is just another example of people on edge, people acting out in very strange ways ... New York is not what it used to be," subway rider Martina Clark said.
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