A horrifying act of violence shook New York City’s subway system on Sunday morning. A man allegedly set a homeless woman on fire while she appeared to be sleeping on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, died at the scene.
Man Sets Woman on Fire in Apparent Random Attack
Police say the attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. and appeared to be unprovoked. “The victim was seated motionlessly when the suspect approached and set her clothes on fire using a lighter,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch at a press conference. “There was no interaction between them prior to the attack, and we believe they did not know each other.”
Officers on patrol in the station responded swiftly, using fire extinguishers to douse the flames. Despite their efforts, the woman could not be saved. Cellphone footage circulating on social media showed a man, dressed in a gray hoodie resembling the suspect, sitting calmly on a nearby bench as the fire engulfed the woman.
Asked if the man seen in the video was the attacker, Tisch said, “At the time, officers were focused on saving the victim and had no reason to suspect him.”
Suspect Apprehended Later That Day
Later on Sunday, police arrested a man believed to be responsible for the attack while he was riding another subway train. Authorities have not yet disclosed his identity or motive. “This is a deeply disturbing incident,” Tisch said. “Our investigation is ongoing, including efforts to confirm the victim’s identity.”
The tragic event comes amid growing concerns over safety on the subway system. Although violent crime remains rare, the NYPD reports nine homicides on the subway so far this year, up from five during the same period in 2023.
The attack has reignited discussions about the vulnerabilities of New York City’s homeless population and the challenges of maintaining safety in public spaces. “This is a tragedy for our city,” Tisch said. “We must ensure this never happens again.”
As New Yorkers process the shocking event, police continue to piece together details of the senseless attack that claimed a life.