Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of KAMEL HAWKINS, 23, for shoving a 45-year-old man onto the tracks of an oncoming train at a subway station in Chelsea on December 31, 2024. HAWKINS is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. [1]
“As alleged, Kamel Hawkins shoved a stranger onto the tracks of an oncoming train in a brutal and unprovoked act of violence committed in our transit system on New Year’s Eve, a widely celebrated holiday in Manhattan and around the world,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Thankfully the victim, who sustained significant injuries, survived this horrifying attack and I wish him a swift recovery. Every day, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of New Yorkers utilizing our transit system.”
According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on December 31, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the 45-year-old man was waiting for the 1 train on the downtown platform at the 18 Street subway station, near West 18th Street and 7th Avenue. At approximately 1:33 p.m., as the train was entering the station, HAWKINS approached him and, unprovoked, shoved him onto the tracks, causing several injuries, including multiple broken ribs, a fractured skull, and a ruptured spleen. The man was transported to Bellevue Hospital.
HAWKINS fled the scene. He was arrested later the same day at the 59 St – Columbus Circle station. While arrested, he was allegedly seen wearing the same clothing from the incident, including a black ski mask, sweatshirt and jacket.
Assistant D.A.s Samantha LiTrenta and Candace White are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Tessa Ferrall, Analyst Isabella Motti, and Trial Preparation Assistant Helen Lipsky are providing invaluable assistance in this case.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officers Lizette Laboy and William Guzman of Transit Division 1.
Defendant Information:
KAMEL HAWKINS
Brooklyn, NY
Charged:
- Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
- Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.