Adams Argues Subway Violence, Including Shocking Arson Attack, Diminishes NYC’s 2024 Transit Crime Achievements

High profile, random attacks in New York City such as the horrific incident where a woman was tragically burned to death on an F train—have cast a dark shadow over the city’s supposed progress in reducing subway crime during 2024. Mayor Eric Adams addressed these concerns during a defiant end-of-year press conference on Tuesday, reiterating his long-standing belief that the “perception” of rampant subway crime needs to be addressed alongside actual crime rates.

“We are doing the work of bringing down the numbers, but as I’ve consistently said, New Yorkers need to feel safe,” Adams stated from City Hall. “People are reacting to what they see and read, which is overshadowing our successes.”

Adams announced that newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will deploy additional officers to subway platforms and trains to directly engage with riders. However, he did not provide specifics about the number of officers, deployment timeline, or targeted locations. The announcement came just hours before a subway rider was shoved in front of a 1 train in Manhattan, an incident police are treating as a random attack.

Additionally, the NYPD revealed the identity of the woman burned to death on the F train: Debrina Kawam, a 57-year-old New Jersey resident. Kawam’s alleged assailant, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, now faces first-degree murder charges for the brutal attack. Shocking video footage captured the horrifying scene of Kawam’s body engulfed in flames while the accused reportedly fanned the fire before calmly sitting to observe the deadly act.

This tragic event underscores growing concerns that the city’s subway system is regressing to the dangerous days of decades past. In response, the Guardian Angels, led by their founder Curtis Sliwa, resumed subway patrols after years of inactivity. Sliwa’s group was welcomed by riders, though Adams cautioned his former mayoral rival not to “overstep.”

Adams also dismissed criticism by comparing his administration’s challenges to those of previous city governments. “Every administration has its share of struggles,” he remarked, adding that he had “no regrets” about his leadership in 2024. Despite these setbacks, Adams maintains his commitment to improving safety and addressing public perceptions of the city’s transit system.