A tragic incident unfolded in New York City on Sunday morning, Dec. 22, when a woman was horrifically set on fire aboard a subway train. The victim, whose identity remains unknown, was heading towards Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn when a man walked up to her while she was seated and set her clothes alight with a lighter around 7:30 a.m.
In a chilling turn of events, the suspect calmly approached the woman, lit her blanket on fire, and within seconds, she was fully engulfed in flames. Passengers didn’t immediately notice what was happening, but nearby officers on patrol at the station noticed smoke and rushed to the scene. They used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, but sadly, the woman was declared dead at the scene.
Police later released surveillance footage that showed the assailant walking up to the woman without saying a word, setting her on fire, then sitting back on a bench and watching as she burned. It was a truly senseless and cruel act that left the city in shock.
Thankfully, thanks to body camera footage, investigators were able to identify the suspect. The images were shared, and within hours, three high school students recognized him and called 911. Police quickly found him riding another train and arrested him about eight hours after the attack. Charges are expected to be filed soon.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed outrage over the incident, calling it “depraved” and vowing to ensure justice for the victim. The New York Police Department confirmed that no other passengers were hurt in the attack.
This heartless act has shaken the city, but the authorities are determined to bring swift justice to all victims of violent crimes.
