A woman arrested for allegedly threatening passengers on a Metro-North Railroad train last week and causing a chaotic morning commute at Grand Central Terminal has been arraigned on felony charges, officials say.
Hannah Santero, 33, was charged in criminal court on Sept. 18 with reckless endangerment, falsely reporting an incident, making a terroristic threat, and making a threat of mass harm, the Manhattan district attorney’s office said.
According to the criminal complaint, Santero was on a train nearing Grand Central Terminal on the morning of Sept. 16 when she began pacing the aisles, knocking into passengers and saying “This will be our last day. Oh my God, this will be our last day." At the same time, she repeatedly reached into her duffel bag and gradually raised her voice, the criminal complaint states.
Santero's behavior led multiple passengers to believe she had a firearm or an explosive, and a passenger activated the emergency brake as the train was 100 yards from the platform, according to the criminal complaint.
According to the MTA Police Department, around 60 passengers rushed onto the tracks when the train stopped, causing Metro-North officials to turn off the electric third rail and suspend service to Grand Central Terminal's lower level. At least three passengers received medical treatment after the incident, according to the criminal complaint.
The judge released Santero without bail, according to prosecutors. Her attorney’s office did not return an emailed request for comment.
Santero is due back in court Oct. 15.
