NEW YORK CITY — A woman was tragically killed on a New York City subway train Sunday morning in a shocking act of violence. Authorities describe the incident as a “brutal murder” and an example of “depraved behavior.” The suspect, who set the woman’s clothes on fire, was arrested later in the day, just hours after the attack.
The horrifying event occurred around 7:30 a.m. on an F train heading to Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn. Police said the suspect approached the woman without warning, ignited her clothing with a lighter, and within seconds, she was engulfed in flames. The woman was initially motionless when the attack began, and it’s unclear whether she was asleep or awake at the time.
What followed was even more chilling. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect sitting calmly on a bench at the station, watching as the woman burned. Police officers arrived on the scene, but the assailant remained in the area, seated near the platform, as the tragedy unfolded.
“The suspect stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench just outside the train car,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “The body-worn cameras from our officers gave us a very clear and detailed look at the killer.”
The woman, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries. The attack has shaken the city, leaving many in disbelief at the senseless violence.
Following the incident, police released images from body cameras and surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the suspect. Thanks to the quick thinking of three high school-age New Yorkers who recognized the man in the images, authorities were able to track him down. The suspect was arrested about eight hours later at the Herald Square subway station in Manhattan, near the famous Macy’s department store. A lighter was found in his pocket when he was taken into custody.
“This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways,” Adams said in a post on X. “We are committed to working hard to ensure there is swift justice for all victims of violent crime.”
The police believe the victim and the suspect did not know each other. Investigators said the attack was unprovoked, and there is no known motive at this time.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the tragic event, noting that it was the second deadly incident on the subway system in just a few hours. Earlier that morning, a stabbing on a southbound 7 train in Queens resulted in another death.
The subway system has faced growing concerns about safety, particularly after a series of high-profile violent incidents in recent years. In response, Governor Hochul announced that additional National Guard members would be deployed to patrol subway stations ahead of the holidays. New subway cars will also be equipped with security cameras to further ensure the safety of passengers.
“This horrific act is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in ensuring subway safety,” said Hochul. “We must work together to protect all New Yorkers.”
The tragic death is a stark reminder of the violence that can occur even in everyday places, like the subway, and highlights the importance of public safety measures. New York City officials are promising swift justice for the victim and are working to ensure that such acts of violence are prevented in the future.
