A 45-year-old man is recovering in stable condition after being pushed onto the subway tracks in Chelsea on New Year’s Eve in what authorities are calling a random attack.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was struck by an incoming southbound 1 train at the 18th Street station but survived due to falling into a trench between the tracks. He sustained a head injury and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, later stabilizing, according to police reports.
Caught on Camera
The chilling incident, captured on video, shows the victim standing near the platform edge and looking at his phone when he was shoved from behind by a hooded man, identified as 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins from Brooklyn. Hawkins was arrested less than an hour later at the 59th Street station after transit officers recognized him from surveillance footage. He has been charged with attempted murder and felony assault.
Police believe the attack was random, stating that Hawkins and the victim did not know each other, and no words were exchanged before the shove.
Subway Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns over safety in New York City’s subway system. Riders on the same platform expressed fear and frustration about violent crimes during their commutes.
Anthony Rodriguez, a commuter, remarked, “They want to hike fares, but they can’t even keep people safe. It’s sad and scary.”
Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s efforts to improve safety, noting a decline in subway crime rates since 2024 and a downward trend since 2009. However, he acknowledged that public perception often overshadows these statistics.
“People don’t want to hear about progress when they see someone shoved onto the tracks,” Adams said. “The cameras help us solve crimes, but they also make these moments more visible and haunting.”
Recurring Subway Violence
This attack comes less than two weeks after another violent subway incident. On December 22, 57-year-old Debrina Kawam was set on fire while asleep on a train in Brooklyn, resulting in her death. A suspect in that case has been charged with murder and arson.
Public Reactions
Despite reassurances from officials, many New Yorkers remain uneasy. “It’s a big city, and things happen,” said Ethan Barsh, a commuter. “But seeing it on video makes it feel much scarier.”
Authorities continue to emphasize the role of vigilant policing and mental health outreach in addressing subway violence.
Key Developments:
- Victim fell into a trench between tracks, avoiding fatal injuries.
- Suspect, Kamel Hawkins, charged with attempted murder.
- Subway safety concerns persist despite reported crime reduction.
Police encourage anyone witnessing suspicious behavior to report it immediately.
