Janitor fatally stabbed at Chicago L train station

Published: 14:07 EDT, 9 October 2026 | Updated: 14:07 EDT, 9 October 2026

A brave Chicago rail maintenance janitor lost his life as he tried to help a train operator who was being pepper-sprayed by a fare dodger.

Julian Mobley, 41, worked in the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) at the Damen Green Line station Thursday when he was stabbed multiple times in the neck by an unknown man.

Mobley intervened in an altercation over an alleged fare dispute that triggered the suspect, who allegedly maced a train operator in the station’s mezzanine in the 2000 block of West Lake Street, to stab Mobley.

When Mobley attempted to help out the operator, the unknown assailant pulled out a blade and pierced a major vein in Mobley’s neck, according to Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) workers.

The man fled the scene, and Mobley was found unresponsive in a nearby room.

Mobley was then rushed to John H Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Chicago police department and detectives are currently investigating the incident and looking for the fugitive.

CTA members gathered together to release statements asking for better safety procedures and to speak on behalf of Mobley.

ATU Local 308 President and Business Agent Pennie McCoach said in a statement:

‘Another life lost while simply doing their job, another family shattered, and a union that is tired of grieving its own.’

‘This is not a tragedy; this is a safety failure.’

‘Our members show up every single day to serve the people of Chicago; they keep the city moving; they deserve to come home safely,’ McCoach said passionately.

‘Our Brother was trying to diffuse a fare dispute after a rider sprayed our Customer Service Assistant with mace.’

‘He was then tragically stabbed to death. This is unacceptable,’ said McCoach.

‘Our members deserve to be able to go to work and come home safely each day.’

‘It is long overdue for the CTA to make real changes to ensure our members and riders are safe on rail cars, stations and at transit centers,” McCoach said according to FOX 32.

Mobley’s coworker Audrey Veasley spoke on behalf of his character.

‘He was a gentleman, a gentle, kind gentleman, said Veasley.’

‘CTA has overlooked us and our protection for years; he’s not the first janitor that’s gotten assaulted.’

‘There’s a record of janitors who have been assaulted, blindsided, attacked; even myself, we’ve been threatened, cursed at, spit at,’ Veasley said.

‘We just want to come to work, go home and take care of our families,’ said Veasley.

Mobley was a father of two and married to his wife of over 20 years.

The Daily Mail contacted the Chicago police department for comment.