A horrific act of violence unfolded early Sunday morning on a New York City subway train, where a woman was fatally set on fire in what authorities have described as a “brutal murder” and an act of “depraved behavior.”

Attack Details

The tragedy occurred around 7:30 AM on an F train heading toward Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn.

A woman was killed in what police have called a "brutal" tragedy. Credit: Kyle Mazza / Anadolu / Getty

Police report that the suspect—a Guatemalan immigrant whose name has not been released—allegedly approached the victim without warning, set her clothing ablaze, and calmly watched as the flames engulfed her.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Details: NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that body-worn camera footage from responding officers provided a clear image of the suspect, who was later seen sitting on a platform bench near the crime scene.

The suspect has been arrested. Credit: NYPD Crime Stoppers

Arrest and Investigation

After fleeing the scene, the suspect was apprehended eight hours later at the 34th Street–Herald Square station in Manhattan.

Key Role of Technology: Officers identified the suspect through surveillance and body camera footage shared with the public. A group of high school students recognized him and alerted authorities.
Swift Arrest: NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta commended officers who stopped the train, secured the doors, and safely detained the suspect.

Nobody else was injured in the incident. Credit: Kyle Mazza / Anadolu / Getty

Victim and Suspect Unconnected

Authorities report no known connection between the victim and the suspect. Surveillance footage shows the suspect igniting a blanket draped over the victim, who appeared motionless before the fire consumed her. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the woman tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Community and Official Responses

Mayor and Governor Speak Out

NYC Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, calling it an example of “depraved behavior” and praised citizens who assisted in the suspect’s apprehension.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of enhanced subway safety measures, including deploying additional National Guard members and installing security cameras across all subway cars.

Credit: X

Subway Safety Concerns

This tragedy is the second subway-related death reported on Sunday. Earlier that day, a man was fatally stabbed on a 7 train in Queens, raising renewed concerns about subway safety.

Despite a reported 10% reduction in subway crime since May, incidents like this underline the urgent need for effective safety and support measures, particularly for vulnerable populations seeking shelter in the transit system.