BOSTON, June 26, 2018—A woman who allegedly threatened a fellow subway passenger with a knife while uttering homophobic slurs after Boston’s Pride Parade will be held without bail for 60 days on a bail revocation, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

DENISE KNOX, 36, of Woburn was arraigned yesterday in Charlestown Municipal Court for assault with a dangerous weapon, threats to commit a crime, and a civil rights violation. At the request of Assistant District Attorney Paul Lewis, Judge Lawrence McCormick set her bail at $5000; ordered her to stay away from the victim, witnesses, and MBTA; and revoked her bail on a pending assault and battery case out of Woburn District Court.

“No matter who you are, you have the right to live and work and travel free from threats and intimidation,” Conley said. “Anyone confronted with disgraceful conduct like this can feel safe, supported, and respected coming forward to report it. Our primary concern will always be for the victim’s safety and wellbeing.”

On the evening of June 9, following Boston’s Pride Parade, Knox allegedly instigated a confrontation on an Orange Line car with a woman who was carrying a multi-colored rainbow flag. After a hostile verbal exchange in which Knox mentioned the parade, used homophobic slurs, and threatened this woman, another passenger intervened and suggested Knox either leave her alone or get off the train.

Knox allegedly produced a folding knife at this time and threatened the passenger who intervened. This man moved to another car and pressed the emergency call button to report the incident. Transit Police officers responded to Community College station, where they were directed to Knox but were unable to locate a victim; their investigation continued in the hours that followed.

Later that night, the victim contacted Transit Police to report the incident. Based on her statements, a follow-up interview with the man Knox allegedly threatened with the knife, and a review of footage from MBTA public safety cameras, Transit Police obtained a warrant for Knox’s arrest.

Knox was represented by attorney Bruce Linson. She will return to court on July 18.

–30–

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.