When a Train Arrives, a Woman Pushed onto the Tracks... New York's Fear of 'Random Attacks'

Victim in Critical Condition... Fundraising Page Created
New York City Implements Tough Measures... Effectiveness Uncertain

A 'random attack' targeting a stranger occurred once again in the New York City subway.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 24th (local time), the New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested Kamal Semlade (29) on charges of attempted murder at a homeless shelter near LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York City, the previous day.

Female victim of random crime.
[Photo source=GoFundMe fundraising page capture]

On the early morning of the 21st, Semlade grabbed the head of a 35-year-old woman from behind as they got off together at a Manhattan subway station. He then forcefully pushed the woman toward a train that was about to leave the platform.

The victim was hospitalized, and prosecutors stated that she suffered a cervical fracture, severe scalp lacerations, and damage to four major blood vessels.

Prosecutor Carolyn McGigan said, "The victim is currently paralyzed from the neck down," adding, "There is also a risk of stroke or death."

The police did not disclose the identity of the victim, but an online fundraising page was created on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe to raise money for her medical expenses. According to the page, the victim is Yilmaz Ozso, an immigrant from Turkey.

Meanwhile, Semlade's specific motive has not been revealed, but local media reported that this incident appears to be a random violent crime that terrifies New Yorkers who use the subway.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in 'unprovoked attacks' by mentally unstable homeless individuals in the New York subway. The suspect, Semlade, was also found to have been residing in a homeless shelter in Queens for the past two years.

Rapid Increase in 'Random Attacks' in Subway... Response Measures Uncertain

Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City. [Photo by Yonhap News]

This is not the first time a 'random attack' has occurred in the New York subway.

In October last year, a man targeted a pedestrian in the subway and pushed him onto the tracks. Fortunately, no train was approaching, but the victim suffered injuries to his shoulder, back, and collarbone.

In June of the same year, a man followed a woman from behind, wrapped his arm around her, and threw her onto the subway tracks beyond the platform. In January, a Chinese woman died after being pushed onto the tracks.

Violent crime rates per one million subway passengers in New York increased by 25% in 2021 compared to 2019. Crimes in the subway surged by 30% in 2022, and arrests for various violations in stations and trains increased by as much as 47%.

One of the causes of the increase in 'random attacks' is believed to be the rise in homeless individuals at subway stations after many homeless facilities were closed following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also analyzed that the sharp decline in subway ridership and revenue due to COVID-19 may have affected subway facility management.

In response, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to deploy additional police officers in the subway and introduced a tough policy in January to forcibly hospitalize homeless individuals showing signs of mental illness regardless of their consent.

He also announced that subway safety doors are scheduled to be installed in 2024.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.