Illegal migrant Sebastian Zapeta-Calil has been identified as the suspect in a horrific fire attack on the New York City subway, which tragically resulted in the death of a sleeping woman.
Authorities have identified an illegal migrant who is alleged to have killed a woman by setting her on fire in the New York subway. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan national who entered the United States unlawfully, is accused of igniting a fire on a train that engulfed a sleeping woman, whom he reportedly observed burning.
Disturbing footage allegedly depicts the 33-year-old Zapeta-Calil watching as the unnamed victim's body is consumed by flames. This tragic event took place on an F train in Brooklyn on Sunday morning. Currently, Zapeta-Calil is in police custody while awaiting the results of an autopsy, which will inform the potential charges he may face, according to law enforcement officials. Reports indicate that the woman's body was severely charred, complicating the investigation, as noted by the New York Post.
It is believed that Zapeta-Calil had previously been deported from the United States after being apprehended at the Mexican border in Arizona on June 1, 2018, and subsequently removed from the country a week later. Despite this, he managed to re-enter the United States illegally at an unspecified time. This incident follows criticism directed at New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who was labeled "tone deaf" for sharing a post featuring her smiling on the subway while boasting about improvements in safety under her administration.
On Sunday, the governor shared a cheerful selfie on the train, asserting that crime rates in New York City have declined since she deployed the National Guard earlier this year. "In March, I took action to make our subways safer for the millions of people who take the trains each day," Hochul stated in her post, which was disseminated on X and Instagram. She further remarked, "Crime is going down, and ridership is going up."
Social media users swiftly criticized her for sharing her statements just eight hours after the report of the subway rider's tragic death. On Sunday at approximately 7:30 am, a man set a sleeping woman on fire while she was on the F train in Brooklyn, resulting in her death. Fellow lawmakers expressed their disapproval of Hochul's post, including New York Democratic Representative Richie Torres, who also mentioned another violent incident that occurred over the weekend. "Just two hours ago, Kathy Hochul celebrated her efforts to make subways 'safer,'" Torres remarked on X. "She praises herself on the same day that two subway riders were stabbed in Queens (one in the face and one in the chest) and another was horrifically burned alive.
Credit: X
"Has there ever been a more insensitive Governor in New York's history?" Melissa DeRosa, who previously served as secretary under former governor Andrew Cuomo, criticized Hochul for her lack of awareness. "[Two] individuals were murdered in the subway today," DeRosa stated. "The governor of New York is like a tourist who cannot even take the time to read a newspaper while she is in the city." In the comments section of Hochul's post, social media users shared graphic footage of the incident. 'YOU MAKE ME SICK' Others remarked that the timing of her post was disconnected from the ongoing crime issues in the subway system.
A woman was tragically set ablaze and killed today. However, some individuals criticized the governor's public appearance. "You make me sick," one Instagram user remarked. It is important to recognize that any crime is unacceptable, even as incidents in the subway have decreased. Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, stated, "This morning, an innocent woman was set on fire and murdered on the train.
Additionally, a man fatally shot someone who attempted to rob him on the train last night. I would not characterize the subways as safe, but that is merely my perspective," another user commented. "Wasn't a woman set on fire today as well? You have the audacity to claim it is safe," another user added. "Apologies, Kathy, but your private subway car, secured by your security detail, does not reflect the reality for most," another remarked. Calls for the governor's resignation emerged from several quarters. "You need to resign. This position is not suited for you," one user stated.
"Please resign and leave New York, never to return to politics," advised another. Hochul assumed office in August 2021, becoming the first female governor of New York. HOCHUL'S RESPONSE Two hours after her earlier post, Hochul solemnly acknowledged that the New York Police Department had apprehended a suspect in connection with the disturbing murder that occurred on Sunday. "A suspect is now in custody for the horrific incident on the F train," Hochul announced. "Our newly installed security cameras assisted law enforcement in locating and arresting the suspect," Hochul noted, reiterating her commitment to enhancing subway safety.
"Let there be no doubt: any crime is one too many, even with a decline in subway crime. We are actively deploying additional personnel and resources to improve safety in our subways." Hochul's office has not yet responded to The U.S. Sun's request for comment. ABOUT THE SUSPECT Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan migrant, was arrested in connection with the crime. Authorities reported that the alleged suspect ignited a lighter near the unidentified woman, watching as she was engulfed in flames. The NYPD stated on Monday that there was no prior interaction between the suspect and the victim, confirming that they were not acquainted.
Zapeta-Calil evaded detection by US authorities and took refuge in migrant shelters throughout New York City until he was allegedly involved in the murder of a woman on the F train. It has been reported that the suspect received a transit ticket in 2023, yet he possesses no prior criminal record.
