- A woman was burned to death on a Brooklyn subway train.
- Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant, was arrested at the scene.
- NYC officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, condemned the attack, with Elon Musk also weighing in on social media.
Sebastian Zapeta is a 33-year-old migrant from Guatemala who stands accused of a horrific crime that has shaken New York City. Zapeta allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train, leading to her tragic death. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning at the Stillwell Avenue Subway station in Coney Island, has sparked outrage and reignited debates on public safety and immigration policies.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Sebastian Zapeta, 33 |
| Nationality | Guatemalan |
| Incident Location | Stillwell Avenue Subway station, Brooklyn |
| Victim | Female, identity not yet released |
| Time of Incident | 7:30 a.m., Sunday |
| Arrest Location | On a moving subway train |
Guatemala Migrant Sebastian Zapeta Arrested
The attack occurred around 7:30 a.m. Sunday. According to the NYPD, Zapeta approached the victim as she was seated on the train. Using a lighter, he set her clothing on fire, which rapidly engulfed her in flames.
Officers on patrol nearby were alerted by the sight and smell of smoke. When they entered the train car, they found the victim fully engulfed in flames. An MTA employee used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames, but the woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Who Is Sebastian Zapeta?
Zapeta is reported to be an illegal migrant from Guatemala. He was previously deported from the United States in 2018 during the Trump administration. It remains unclear how and when he re-entered the country, though reports suggest he had been residing in NYC’s taxpayer-funded shelter system.
At the time of his arrest, Zapeta was found calmly seated on a bench outside the train car. Police body-worn cameras captured clear footage of him at the scene.
- Sebastian Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan migrant, is accused of setting a woman on fire on a Brooklyn subway train.
- The suspect was apprehended with the help of vigilant civilians and quick police action.
- The incident has sparked debates on public safety, immigration, and subway security in New York City.
Zapeta’s arrest was made possible through public assistance. After his photo and description were released, three high school students recognized him and alerted authorities. He was later apprehended on a moving train by transit officers without resistance.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the “senseless killing,” praising the efforts of transit officers and civilians who aided in the arrest. He added:
“This type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways, and we are committed to working hard to ensure there is swift justice for all victims of violent crime.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in, expressing his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Enough is enough.”
This incident has heightened public concern about safety on NYC’s subway system. It has also reignited discussions about the city’s handling of migrants and violent crime prevention. Critics argue that such incidents highlight the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and enhanced safety measures on public transportation.
What was the motive for the attack?
The motive for this horrific crime remains unclear. Authorities are still investigating Zapeta’s actions and mental state.
What safety measures are being proposed in response?
Officials are urging stricter surveillance on the subway system, increased patrols, and stronger enforcement of immigration laws to prevent future incidents.
