NEW YORK, N.Y. — A 23-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shoving a commuter in front of an oncoming train at the 18th Street subway station in Chelsea on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Kamel Hawkins was taken into custody hours after the attack, which left a 45-year-old man injured but alive. The incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on the southbound No. 1 train platform, according to the NYPD.
Surveillance footage showed the victim standing on the platform and checking his phone when a man wearing a hooded jacket approached and shoved him onto the tracks moments before the train entered the station. The victim was struck by the train but survived, suffering head injuries and a broken rib.
In the days since New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the subway system as safe, multiple violent attacks have occurred.
Emergency responders transported the man to Bellevue Hospital, where he was reported to be conscious and alert but critical. Authorities said he is expected to recover.
Hawkins, who has a history of arrests for assault and harassment, was identified as the suspect after a review of surveillance video, according to law enforcement sources. He now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.