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45-yr-old man pushed in front of NYC train, in critical condition

January 1, 2025 | | Print Article

A “heightened threat environment” wasn’t enough to prevent another New York City subway tragedy as video captured the harrowing moment an unsuspecting straphanger was left in critical condition.

In the weeks since a health insurance executive was assassinated in broad daylight and a woman was burned to death on a subway car, Gothamites are still being gaslit over the “rare, random acts of violence” that have been stacking up with no end in sight. Tuesday, yet another crime was added to the pile as a 45-year-old victim was left in critical condition having been pushed onto the tracks as a train entered the station.

Surveillance video circulating social media showed a hooded man entering the frame while another individual appeared to be jumping the turnstile. Having first walked past the man who would be victimized standing near the edge of the platform, the suspect doubled back a moment later as the 1 Train pulled in, forcibly shoving the victim onto the tracks.

Fox 5 New York detailed that the alleged suspect, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins was “well known to police” and had been arrested shortly after the attack and was charged with attempted murder in the second degree and assault in the second degree.

The victim, who had yet to be publicly identified at the time of this report, had been rushed to Bellevue Hospital where, according to CBS News New York, he was being treated for a skull fracture after his head hit the tracks.

“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,” posted New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) later in the day. “Violence of any kind has absolutely no place on our subway system and even when rare, random acts of violence like this contribute to New Yorkers feeling unsettled.”

“On this New Year’s Eve, the NYPD is operating with an increased presence across the city, including mobilization of our specialized units. And tonight, like every night, if you see something, say something,” he added.

The sentiment from Hizzoner came as he had announced a “heightened threat environment” for the New Year’s holiday that meant increased police presence throughout the city two weeks after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) had boasted about an additional 250 New York National Guard member deployments and safety on the subways.

The latest attack followed another random victim getting pushed in front of a train last week amid a reported 40% increase in felony assaults across NYC public transit compared to the same 28 days in 2023.

Reactions sought accountability, namely through the resignations of those in charge who continued to downplay safety concerns.

Kevin Haggerty
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