Horrific Subway Arson in NYC Leaves Woman Dead; Suspect Apprehended
A horrific incident unfolded Sunday in a New York City subway car,leaving a woman dead after a purposeful arson attack. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest of a suspect later that afternoon at a separate subway station.
ABC7 News reported that the apprehended individual, a 33-year-old guatemalan national who had been living in the United States for several years, is currently in custody. However, authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or formal charges.
The victim’s identity remains undisclosed due to the severity of the injuries sustained; her body was reportedly “completely burned,” making identification challenging.
Details of the Brutal Attack
Police confirmed the woman died consequently of arson, her clothing ignited by her attacker using what is believed to be a lighter. A disturbing video circulating on social media shows the suspect calmly watching as the flames engulfed the victim.
“It is one of the most depraved crimes a person can commit,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press conference,detailing the attack. She described the incident: ”As the train entered the station (in Coney Island, Brooklyn), the suspect walked calmly towards a woman, who was sitting at the back of a car, and used what we believe was a lighter to light the woman’s clothes. The victim was engulfed (in flames) in a matter of seconds.”
The arrest comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration in the U.S., following the election of President Donald Trump. During his campaign, President Trump linked undocumented immigrants to increased crime rates, a claim that lacked supporting evidence.
The NYPD continues its investigation, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.This tragic event has understandably shaken the city and sparked widespread outrage.
