On December 22, New York City witnessed a horrifying incident as a woman was set ablaze aboard an F train at the Coney Island station, allegedly by 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who is reported to be an illegal Guatemalan migrant. The attack unfolded early Sunday morning, and details surrounding the incident have sent shockwaves through the community.
According to authorities, the victim, who remains unidentified due to the severity of her injuries, was sleeping at the time of the attack. Upon realizing what was happening, witnesses described the chaotic scene as Zapeta-Calil lit the woman’s clothing on fire, watching from a nearby bench. The victim eventually succumbed to her injuries, dying from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, as confirmed by the Brooklyn Medical Examiner.
Assistant District Attorney Ari Rosenberg recounted the grim details during Zapeta-Calil’s arraignment, stating, “The defendant stated... [he] did not recall what happened.” This lack of accountability raises questions about the motivations behind such a brutal action.
The incident drew immediate attention not only due to its severity but also because of the response—or lack thereof—from bystanders and law enforcement. Shocking footage from the scene shows individuals, including police officers, standing idle as the flames engulfed the woman. Witnesses reported no attempt to intervene, fueling public outrage. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, pointed out, “Nobody came to her aid... They think, ‘I don’t want to get jammed up like Penny.’” This reference points to the recent case involving Daniel Penny, correctly highlighting the palpable fear of legal repercussions hindering potential Good Samaritans from acting.
Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik did not hold back, stating, “No one even attempted to help this woman. They watched like cowards.” This sentiment resonates with many New Yorkers who were appalled at the seeming indifference from those who should have stepped forward to assist.
Pat Calvin, a former EMT, expressed his frustration, saying, “If I were there, I would have run to help her. The police were right there, and they did nothing.” These voices from the community reflect broader concerns about the moral obligation to act when witnessing such tragedies.
The details surrounding Zapeta-Calil’s background have surfaced, showing he was deported from the U.S. back in 2018, only to return illegally. Living at a Brooklyn shelter aimed at aiding individuals with substance abuse and mental health struggles, it raises more questions about systemic issues contributing to the violence seen on city streets.
Zapeta-Calil was arrested several hours after the incident when high school students recognized him from the news and alerted authorities. He was apprehended at Herald Square, still wearing the distinctive clothing seen during the attack. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and arson, facing serious repercussions if convicted.
Public response to the attack has been largely fueled by shock and calls for action. Critics have pointed their fingers at public officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, for her prior statements touting subway safety, which seemed tone-deaf following this tragic incident. Social media erupted with comments expressing disappointment at the failure of the NYPD, with one user lamenting, “The NYPD will shoot you down for jumping the turnstile, but they’ll walk past a woman on fire? Shameful.”
This grim event has ignited discussions about public safety, individual accountability, and the moral responsibilities of citizens. The apparent apathy displayed during the incident has left many to question whether society is becoming desensitized to acts of violence, or if the fear of repercussions is significantly hampering civilian intervention.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the officers’ responses, claiming they were unaware of the gravity of the situation until it was too late. Chief of Transit Joe Gulotta stated they were seeking fire extinguishers during the chaos, explaining their actions as protective rather than indifferent. Nonetheless, critics argue there was enough time for them to assist the victim directly.
With the arraignment completed, Zapeta-Calil will remain in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled soon. While the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with another tragedy, intertwining issues of immigration, crime, and moral duty to intervene, prompting many to utter the question, “Where are the Daniel Pennys when you need them?”
