Q-train hero meets President

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:55 PM EST

The Q-train subway hero said he never thought that defending several Jewish straphangers would get him an audience with the President.

However, on Monday, January 29, 20-year-old Hassan Askari was in the audience at President George Bush’s last State of the Union address. Askari scored an invite from Congressmember Joseph Crowley who offered up his only guest ticket to the annual speech.

“It was quite amazing,” Askari said the following day. “To be honest I was quite overwhelmed.”

After the one-hour speech, Crowley introduced Askari to Bush, who thanked the Bangladeshi immigrant and current finance student for not hesitating to act. In December, Islam-practicing Askari stood up to several thugs who allegedly attacked four riders who wished them, “Happy Hanukah.”

As for Bush’s speech, Askari said, “I was happy to hear about the economic reforms especially with these uncertain times in our country and about the troop withdrawal. It’s good to hear our boys are coming back.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONGRESSMEMBER JOSEPH CROWLEY
Subway hero Hassan Askari (center) spoke with both President George Bush (left) and Congressmember Joseph Crowley (right) after the President’s State of the Union address.