Everyone relax! I got the hat back. The MTA PD does have grabbers. (they said mostly they use them to grab air pods) It’s worse than those carnival games. We all took turns. The guy on the right managed to get it. The day is saved! hurrah!
(this is one of the most busy tracks in the country going down there is just *not* going to happen. I’m glad I didn’t get the rather expensive hat I was considering— but now this cheap hat is even better since I got it back)