A teenager has received a prison sentence of five years and six months for a disturbing act of arson on a New York City subway, where he set a sleeping man ablaze. The incident, which took place on December 1, 2025, has drawn significant attention to the safety concerns surrounding public transportation in the city.
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The 19-year-old, identified as Hiram Carrero, pleaded guilty to the charge of arson earlier this year, on March 5. On Tuesday, June 23, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the sentencing, which was presided over by Judge Lewis J. Liman. Court documents revealed that Carrero attacked the victim shortly after boarding a subway train at Penn Station.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Carrero ignited paper and used it to set fire to the man while he was asleep. Following the horrific act, Carrero exited the subway car, effectively leaving the victim trapped and engulfed in flames as the train moved away from the station. CCTV footage reportedly captured the victim, whose legs were aflame, leaving the subway car at Times Square, where he sat on a platform still ablaze.
Emergency responders arrived promptly and managed to transport the victim to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition. Prosecutors noted that the man’s survival was largely due to the rapid response of first responders, who reached the scene within minutes. If it had not been for the swift action taken, the outcome could have been far worse.
The attack was described in court records as being motivated by an intent to kill. Carrero allegedly sought to harm the victim, a homeless man, by burning him alive. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the act as a “breathtaking, horrific and unconscionable crime.” He emphasised that while subway safety remains a priority for law enforcement, this incident showcased the potential for tragic consequences in public transport settings.
In addition to the prison term, Carrero will serve three years of supervised release following his jail time and has been ordered to provide restitution to the victim. The case garnered attention from various law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), who were praised for their collaborative response.
During the proceedings, Carrero’s defence attorney, Jennifer Brown, highlighted the troubled background of the teenager, explaining that he faced numerous challenges, including being born prematurely and abandoned by his biological parents. Brown indicated that Carrero expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating that “words are inadequate to express the profound shame and remorse that Hiram feels.”
This case is not unique, as there has been a concerning trend of violent incidents occurring within the subway system. Another recent case involved 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who has been charged with first and second-degree murder for allegedly setting a sleeping woman on fire in a separate incident. Zapeta-Calil has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail.
The series of violent acts have sparked discussions about the safety of individuals using public transport in New York City. Authorities continue to investigate these events to ensure a safer environment for commuters while reinforcing that anyone who perpetrates violence in public spaces will face significant legal consequences.