in Crime, NYC

Man Found Seriously Burned at NYC’s Penn Station Amid Rising Subway Violence

NYPD officers and other officials at Penn Station after a man was found on fire
Photo: KYLE MAZZA/Shutterstock

A 67-year-old man was found critically injured with severe burns inside New York City’s Penn Station on Friday night, marking another disturbing incident of subway violence following the horrific death of a woman set on fire earlier this week.

The Incident

The man, who is believed to be homeless, was discovered near New Jersey Transit tracks 11 and 12 around 8 p.m. Emergency responders rushed him to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition with burns to his legs and upper body.

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Preliminary investigations suggest the man may have set himself on fire, though authorities have not ruled out other possibilities. The area lacked surveillance cameras, and investigators have found no evidence of another person involved or fleeing the scene.

A Disturbing Pattern of Violence

This latest incident comes just days after a tragic attack in Brooklyn, where a woman was set on fire while sleeping aboard a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Guatemala, has been charged with first-degree murder and arson in connection with her death. Prosecutors allege that Zapeta used a lighter to ignite the woman’s clothing before fleeing the scene.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The recent surge in subway violence has alarmed New Yorkers and reignited debates about public safety and homelessness. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, announced the return of the group’s volunteer safety patrols in the subway system.

“I’ve never seen the subway system in such a dire state,” said Sliwa, describing the current climate as one of heightened fear and instability. The Guardian Angels aim to provide a visible safety presence and offer assistance to vulnerable individuals.

Addressing the Crisis

City officials and the NYPD are under increasing pressure to address the uptick in violent incidents. Advocates have called for a dual approach: increased security measures and expanded resources for the homeless population, who are often the most vulnerable to both committing and being victims of violent acts.

“We need to ensure that every New Yorker feels safe,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “These incidents highlight the urgent need for coordinated action to protect both passengers and the homeless community.”

Looking Ahead

As investigations into both incidents continue, the city faces a daunting task: restoring confidence in its subway system while addressing the root causes of violence and homelessness. With public concern mounting, officials are being urged to act swiftly to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.