Bronx Woman Charged with Assaulting HSI Agent

Liberty Martin, a 42-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, has been arrested and charged with physically assaulting a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent. The incident occurred on October 8, 2026, at approximately 6:45 p. m.

in the Bronx, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Martin is facing one count of physically assaulting an employee of the United States, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. The charges are based on allegations that Martin, along with a crowd of people, surrounded and assaulted the HSI Special Agent, referred to as Agent-1, who was responding to an incident involving federal law enforcement officers and another individual.

According to the complaint, Martin aggressively grabbed and ripped the agent's clothing. The situation escalated when Martin and others followed the agent to his department-issued vehicle, where Martin again grabbed the agent's clothing. Other individuals allegedly pushed the agent against the vehicle, shoved his head and body into the vehicle, and slammed the vehicle door on him, resulting in a two-inch laceration to the agent's forehead.

Official Statements

U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "Our Office will aggressively protect and defend our law enforcement partners against unlawful attacks. Assaulting law enforcement officers in the commission of their lawful duties undermines respect for the rule of law and threatens the systems we rely upon to keep us safe."

HSI Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas also commented on the incident, saying, "The defendant stands accused of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, recklessly endangering the special agents on scene and the public they were sworn to protect. This alleged conduct was a direct attack on the rule of law and the safety of our community."

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation into the incident involved multiple agencies, including the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Diplomatic Security Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Caitlin McCarey of the Office’s General Crimes Unit.

The charges against Martin are currently allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The maximum potential sentence is provided for informational purposes, and any actual sentencing will be determined by a judge.