NY Governor Kathy Hochul Touted 'Subway Safe' After 'Woman Burned Alive': Fact-Check

Who is Kathy Hochul – New York’s First Female Governor: Biography, Husband, Children, Net Worth

Kathy Hochul was widely-criticized after she touted her efforts to make the NYC subway safe, just hours after a migrant allegedly set a woman on fire. (Getty Images / NYPD)

New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced sharp criticism on social media Sunday for promoting her efforts to improve subway safety just hours after a horrifying crime occurred on a New York City train.

A woman was set on fire and burned to death on an F train in Brooklyn, an act that has shocked the community and reignited concerns about subway safety.

Hochul's tweet with graphic footage of the immolation

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hochul touted the deployment of National Guard members and the installation of cameras on subway cars as part of her administration's efforts to reduce crime. "In March, I took action to make our subways safer for the millions of people who take the trains each day," Hochul's post read. "Since deploying the @NationalGuardNY to support @NYPDnews and @MTA safety efforts and adding cameras to all subway cars, crime is going down, and ridership is going up."” she wrote.

However, her post was made around eight hours after the gruesome killing at the Stillwell Avenue station at approximately 7:30 a.m., when a migrant from Guatemala allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire. By then, the incident had already been widely reported. Critics slammed Hochul for the poorly timed statement, accusing her of being out of touch with the reality of subway safety.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s aide Melissa DeRosa highlighted another murder that day, criticizing Hochul for appearing disconnected.

"Two people were murdered in the subway today," DeRosa wrote. Advocacy group AntiSemitism and others joined in, suggesting Hochul “need[s] a new social media team.”

The suspect in the immolation, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, reportedly entered the U.S. from Guatemala about a year ago. Authorities have not clarified his immigration status, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been contacted for more information.

The backlash underscores ongoing public frustration with the state of New York City’s transit system, despite Hochul’s assertion that her policies have reduced crime. This tragic event has further amplified calls for more effective safety measures and increased accountability from leadership.

The Safety of the New York City Subway

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire after a woman was burned to death on Citys' subway

In December 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of an additional 250 National Guard troops to the subway system, increasing the total to 1,000 during the holiday season. This initiative aimed to ensure safety for the anticipated 8 million visitors during that period. Hochul cited a 10% reduction in subway crime since the initial deployment in March 2024. Additionally, all subway cars were equipped with security cameras to further enhance safety measures.

Despite these measures, violent incidents have continued to occur. For instance, in December 2024, a woman was tragically burned to death on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn. The suspect, a man in his 20s, was later apprehended by transit police. Such incidents have heightened public fear and raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures.

Statistical data presents a complex picture. While overall major crime in subways has decreased by 12% since 2019, there has been a notable increase in certain types of violent crimes. For example, the subway system recorded eight murders in 2021, the highest annual total in 25 years. By October 2022, nine murders had already been reported for that year.

Public perception of safety remains a significant issue. A survey conducted in April 2021 revealed that only 26% of riders felt safe from crime and harassment on the trains, a significant decline from 65% in the final quarter of 2019.

In response to these concerns, city officials have implemented various strategies, including increased police presence and mental health initiatives aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness within the subway system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has also tested technologies such as platform screen doors and track intrusion detection systems to prevent accidents and suicides.

Despite these efforts, the balance between ensuring public safety and addressing underlying social issues continues to challenge the city's transit authorities. Ongoing incidents underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that encompass law enforcement, mental health support, and community engagement to enhance the safety and security of the New York City Subway system.

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