Amadu Rahaman, a beloved NYC cabbie with a master’s degree in economics, met a tragic end last week after being viciously attacked by a disgruntled customer. The incident took place on Dec. 13 near Bleecker Street and Thompson Street in Greenwich Village, where the 75-year-old Rahaman picked up a 36-year-old man who demanded to be dropped off in the Bronx. When Rahaman refused due to the distance, the man unleashed a brutal assault, leaving Rahaman with severe head injuries.
Family Mourns a Senseless Loss
Amadu Rahaman’s daughters, Ayisha and Sekina, are left reeling from the violent attack that took their father’s life. Ayisha recounted how her father, a dedicated cabbie since the ’70s, was just trying to earn a living to support his family and fulfill the American dream. Sekina emphasized the values of hard work and independence that their father instilled in them, which they now aim to pass on to their own children.
City Mourns Second Taxi Driver Death
This heartbreaking incident marks the second time a taxi driver has been killed in a crime-related incident this year, shedding light on the dangers faced by drivers in the city. Jason Kersten, a spokesperson for the Taxi and Limousine Commission, expressed that while violence-related deaths are uncommon, assaults and robberies targeting drivers are unfortunately more prevalent.
Demand for Justice
As the family copes with their loss, they are seeking justice for Amadu Rahaman. They hope that the assailant, Malachi Cintron, will face upgraded charges in light of Rahaman’s death. Assaulting a Taxi and Limousine Commission driver carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years, and Sekina Rahaman is adamant that her father deserves justice for the senseless attack that took his life.
The tragic death of Amadu Rahaman serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by taxi drivers in NYC and the importance of ensuring their safety and security on the job. Rahaman’s daughters, along with the entire city, mourn the loss of a hardworking man who dedicated his life to providing for his family and living out the American dream. May his memory serve as a call to action for greater protection and support for drivers who serve the public every day.