Man Charged After Allegedly Pushing Stranger Onto Subway Tracks

A shocking New Year’s Eve attack at Chelsea’s 18th Street subway station has left a 45-year-old man critically injured and raised concerns about transit safety in New York City.

At a Glance

Kamel Hawkins, 23, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly pushing a stranger onto subway tracks.
The victim survived with skull fracture and leg injuries, and was left in critical condition.
The incident was captured on surveillance video, with the suspect arrested shortly after.
The incident raises concerns about violent crime on the NYC subway system.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, praising the NYPD for swift arrest.

Violent Attack Shocks New Year’s Eve Commuters

On December 31, 2024, what should have been a routine subway ride turned into a nightmare for one New Yorker. At the 18th Street station in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, a 45-year-old man was suddenly and violently shoved onto the tracks as a train approached. The victim, whose identity has not been released, survived the attack but sustained severe injuries, including a skull fracture.

Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment, showing the unsuspecting victim being pushed directly into the path of an oncoming train. Witnesses described the sudden and unprovoked nature of the attack, emphasizing the split-second timing that nearly resulted in tragedy.

Man charged with pushing subway rider in front of Manhattan train https://t.co/sWvuwxS4Ab

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 1, 2025

Swift Arrest and Charges

The New York Police Department quickly apprehended the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins from Brooklyn. Hawkins has been charged with attempted murder and assault, reflecting the severity of his alleged actions. The arrest brings some measure of relief to a city on edge, but questions about subway safety remain at the forefront of public concern.

“An innocent bystander was the victim of an appalling act of violence at the 18th Street subway stop today. Due to the quick efforts of the NYPD, a suspect has already been taken into custody. My heart goes out to the victim and their family, and I pray for their recovery,” Adams said.

The incident caused significant disruption to subway services, with power being cut to the southbound line for approximately an hour to facilitate the victim’s rescue and the subsequent investigation. This temporary closure serves as a stark reminder of how quickly urban transit systems can be impacted by such violent acts.

Concerns of Violence

Violent crimes on New York City’s subway system are not unheard of. Despite overall crime rates on the rails showing a slight decrease, the number of homicides on the subway reportedly reached a 25-year high in 2024, with 11 reported killings. The most recent violent incident left New Yorkers on edge.

“Lately, there’s been so many scary things happened,” Francesca LaPrelle stated. Another person, Chris Boardman said it was “unfortunately part of living in the city.”

The Chelsea station attack follows on the heels of another horrific incident in December where a homeless woman, Debrina Kawam, was set on fire in a subway car, resulting in her death.

As the city grapples with these challenges, residents are urged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while using public transportation. The recent attacks serve as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of urban life and the ongoing need for comprehensive safety strategies in public spaces.