A shocking incident unfolded overnight in New York City, reigniting the debate over public safety in the metropolis. A 45-year-old man was set ablaze in the heart of Times Square around 4 a.m. on Sunday. The victim, doused with accelerant from a Patron tequila bottle, was found shirtless and severely burned. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition. This incident has prompted officials to take decisive action as concerns over city safety mount.
The suspect responsible for the arson attack did not flee the scene, leaving authorities to grapple with the horrifying reality of the crime. In response, former Governor Andrew Cuomo described New York City as "out of control" and promised to deploy an additional 5,000 officers to the area. The attack has drawn parallels with a previous incident three months ago when a woman was fatally set on fire in a subway car, sparking renewed discussions about safety in the city.
Mayor Eric Adams, however, argues that the issue lies not with the police presence but with bail reforms signed into law by Andrew Cuomo. He emphasized the need to address these legislative changes rather than increasing police numbers. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the lack of police presence in Times Square during early morning hours, stating that officers are not typically on the blocks before 8 or 9 a.m.
"Lighting another human being on fire and watching them burn alive reflects a level of evil that cannot be tolerated," stated the Mayor's office, condemning the violent act.
Crime scene investigators confirmed that the victim had been doused with an accelerant from a Patron tequila bottle and set on fire. Footage captured from the scene showed the moment when authorities rushed the victim into an ambulance after extinguishing the flames. The terrifying nature of this attack has left residents like Anne Lee from Brooklyn feeling uneasy about safety in the area.
"Yeah it’s pretty scary before 8 or 9 a.m.," Anne Lee, 26, remarked regarding the early morning atmosphere in Times Square.
This latest attack has reignited conversations about public safety and law enforcement in New York City. While some call for increased police presence, others urge for a reevaluation of existing policies and reforms.