New York City’s subway system has witnessed several shocking incidents recently, raising serious concerns about safety among commuters and prompting swift responses from city officials. A particularly grim incident occurred on December 22, when 57-year-old Debrina Kawam was set on fire by Sebastian Zapeta, who approached her as she slept on the F train. According to the New York Police Department, Kawam had recently relocated from New Jersey, where she was staying at an address found by police. Tragically, the woman succumbed to her injuries, leading to heightened scrutiny of subway safety protocols.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, “Hearts go out to the family — a horrific incident to have to live through.” He emphasized the need for more efforts to assist the homeless and vulnerable populations who often seek refuge within the subway system. Kawam, who had previously worked for Merck, was reportedly dealing with difficult circumstances leading up to her tragic death, including having spent time at city shelters.
The violence escalated on January 1, when two men were stabbed within minutes on different parts of the subway. The first stabbing occurred at the Cathedral Parkway station on the 1/2/3 lines around 9:26 AM, where a 30-year-old man suffered multiple stab wounds during what appeared to be an argument with another man. Fortunately, he is expected to survive following his hospitalization at Mount Sinai-St. Luke's.
Almost twenty minutes later, another stabbing incident was reported on the Bronx-bound 2 train at the 14th Street station. A 31-year-old man was stabbed in the back and was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he is also reported to be on the mend. Law enforcement is investigating whether these two incidents are connected, as both unfolded during the busy New Year’s Day morning commute.
Meanwhile, the subway system faced additional peril when 45-year-old Joseph Lynskey was violently shoved onto the tracks at the 18th Street station shortly after noon. This incident resulted in him sustaining severe injuries, including multiple broken ribs and internal trauma. His alleged assailant, Kamel Hawkins, has been charged with attempted murder and is awaiting trial. Lynskey’s family has expressed gratitude for his survival but remains concerned about his long-term recovery amid emotional trauma and physical pain.
Police response to the rising incidents of violence has been swift, with heightened patrols and efforts to apprehend suspects, particularly those deemed dangerous to public safety. Chief among these concerns is the fear of random attacks, which seem to proliferate without clear motives. Mayor Adams remarked, “Crime is not surging in the subway system,” attempting to assuage fears by referencing general crime statistics. He clarified, “We have high-profile incidents, and we’re really disturbed about it.” Nevertheless, the mayor noted the increasing psychological impact these occurrences have on daily commuters.
According to data released by the NYPD, serious crimes on the subway were down overall through November 2024 compared to previous years, yet murders increased. Some residents have voiced their fears about the perception of safety as outrageous acts like Kawam's murder dominate headlines. Chief Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the incident against Kawam as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”
This series of unfortunate events has prompted New Yorkers to question the measures taken to protect passengers. Many commuters have spoken of feeling uneasy and fearful, particularly during late-night travel when the risk of violence seems heightened. “Random acts of violence like this contribute to New Yorkers feeling unsettled,” added Mayor Adams, reinforcing the emotional impacts of the recent events.
While the city acknowledges the need for greater security, it is also making efforts to deliver additional services to those in need, particularly homeless individuals who have found themselves utilizing the subway system for shelter. Officials hope to offer supportive services to address not only mental health crises but also to encourage the use of designated shelters throughout the city.
The combination of erratic violence punctuated by acts of individual aggression has made the subway experience fraught with anxiety for many. Regular commuters are left to navigate their way through logistical concerns and emotional turmoil amid the underlying tensions of urban life. The subway remains, for many, both necessary and nerve-wracking, ingrained with the stark realities of city living.
With the dawn of 2025, the events carried through from 2024 have served to catalyze discussions about public safety, the support for vulnerable community members, and the need for sustainable solutions to increasing urban violence. Whether these incidents mark the beginning of a new trend or are merely isolated occurrences remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the safety of New Yorkers must remain a priority.