'Unknown substance' on New York metro causes coughing, vomiting among crowd

The release of an unknown substance on a New York metro platform at Union Square caused a panic among the crowd on Friday and induced many to coughing fits and vomiting.

Authorities later confirmed the substance to have been pepper spray and said they had received reports of someone spraying it into the crowd, according to the U.S. sun.

The city announced in late September that it would install cameras in all 6,400 subway cars. New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul took a cavalier attitude toward concerns the cameras would infringe on individual privacy.

"You think Big Brother’s watching you on the subways? You’re absolutely right," she said. "If you’re concerned about this, the best answer is don’t commit any crimes on the subway."

Crime on the New York subway has emerged as growing concern for residents and tourists alike. Multiple shootings earlier this year have prompted the city government to mull imposing gun checks on the subway as well, though cost and manpower concerns remain prohibitive.

Hochul faces a general election in November against Republican rival Lee Zeldin, whom recent polls have shown to be within striking distance as crime concerns resonate with voters.