New York subway horror: Why didn’t anyone stop the accused illegal immigrant? Woman Burned Alive While Bystanders Watched, NYPD Cop Victim ‘Ignored’

This photo went viral with claims that an NYPD officer walked past the New York subway horror victim without helping her.

In a horrific incident that has New Yorkers grappling with questions of responsibility and inaction, a woman was set on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train — and no one stepped in to help. As flames engulfed her body, shocking footage shows a group of onlookers, including police officers, either watching or walking past without offering help. The incident, which occurred at the Stillwell Avenue train station on Sunday morning, December 22, sparked outrage across the city, with many wondering: Why didn’t anyone intervene?
The tragic scene
The woman, who was probably homeless, is said to have been sleeping Sebastian Zapeta-CalilThe 33-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala, who secretly sneaked back into the country after being deported, is said to have set it on fire. In a chilling video shared online, at least three bystanders can be seen watching the victim’s clothing being consumed by the flames. One person even filmed the horrific scene instead of offering help.

Amid the chaos, a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer stationed outside the subway car appeared to do nothing as the fire spread. The flames eventually consumed the victim, who tragically died at the scene. In the video, another officer walks past the burning woman and raises his hands as if he doesn’t know how to react. You can only see Zapeta-Calil, the alleged perpetrator, approaching and fanning the flames with his shirt before he is overpowered by police hours later.
The “Daniel Penny Factor”
The incident quickly attracted national attention, with many speculating that bystanders’ reluctance to intervene was due to the ongoing public debate about civilian involvement in dangerous situations. Curtis Sliwa, founder of Guardian Angels and a longtime community activist, pointed to the high-profile case of Daniel Penny, the former Marine who was acquitted after strangling Jordan Neely, a homeless man, on a subway earlier this year. Sliwa argued that Penny’s legal battle, in which he was charged for his actions, may have discouraged others from stepping in to help in times of crisis.
“No one came to her aid,” Sliwa said. “People are frozen now. They think, ‘I don’t want to be cornered like Penny.'” He believes fear of legal repercussions discourages would-be good Samaritans from acting in emergencies.
The NYPD’s inaction
While the public’s reaction was one of shock and anger, it also responded to the NYPD’s response. In a scathing critique, former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik condemned officers for their apparent indifference. “No one even tried to help this woman. They watched like cowards,” Kerik said, echoing the sentiments of many who saw officers passively watching the horror unfold.
Pat Calvin, a former paramedic, expressed outrage, saying that both he and his father – who worked for the NYPD – were appalled by the officers’ inaction. “If I had been there, I would have run to help her,” Calvin said. “The police were right there and did nothing.”
New Yorkers and activists took to social media to express their frustration. One user wrote: “The NYPD will shoot you for jumping the turnstile but they will walk past a woman on fire? Shameful.” Another criticized officials for failing to intervene and lamented the community’s lack of responsibility. He said: “I hate that we don’t have a sense of responsibility for each other.”
A question of responsibility
Many questions arise afterwards: Why didn’t anyone intervene? Was it fear of legal repercussions or a growing apathy towards the suffering of others? Some critics pointed to a system that appears to breed hesitation in the face of crime or violence, pointing to the “revolving door justice system” that has become a problem for many New Yorkers. “There are many people in the city who are afraid to act because they feel they are not supported by the city’s elected representatives,” said Gerard Kassar, leader of the Conservative Party.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the officers’ response, saying they did not know that Zapeta-Calil, who was later arrested, was involved in the crime. Transit Director Joe Gulotta clarified that officers were trying to find a fire extinguisher as the tragedy unfolded. However, many critics argue that a larger failure was at play – the failure to act when a life was in imminent danger.
Zapeta-Calil’s arrest
Zapeta-Calil was arrested hours after the attack when a group of high school students recognized him on another train and alerted authorities. He was arrested in Herald Square after officers tracked him down. He was wearing the same distinctive clothing he was seen in during the attack. The suspect is charged with first and second degree murder and arson.
Despite his claims that he was drunk and did not remember setting the woman on fire, Zapeta-Calil’s actions were described as “depraved” by the NYPD. Police investigators believe the victim and suspect did not know each other, raising the possibility of an unprovoked attack.
A larger conversation about public safety
This tragedy has sparked a broader discussion about public safety, legal responsibility and the moral obligation to intervene in dangerous situations. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had previously praised the safety of the subway system in public statements, was quickly criticized for her tone-deafness when news of the woman’s death broke, shortly after she posted photos touting safety improvements in the system Subway system praised.
While Hochul has promised to increase police presence and resources in the subway system, public trust in the NYPD has been shaken. As one social media user put it, “Where are the Daniel pennies when you need them?”