A 23-year-old man has been taken into custody after allegedly pushing a subway rider in front of an oncoming train in New York City on New Year’s Eve. The victim, identified as Joseph Lynskey, a 45-year-old from Manhattan, survived the incident but is currently in the hospital with serious injuries, including a fractured skull, four broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the 18th Street station in Chelsea while Lynskey was waiting for the 1 train. Witnesses reported that he was pushed onto the tracks just moments before the train arrived. Fortunately, he fell beside the train rather than directly underneath it, which helped him avoid more severe injuries.
After the attack, Lynskey was quickly taken to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition. Authorities have since arrested Kamel Hawkins from Brooklyn, who now faces charges of second-degree attempted murder and several counts of assault. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance and has been ordered to remain in jail until his next court date.
Video footage of the event shows Lynskey standing near the platform’s edge when he was suddenly shoved by Hawkins, who fled the scene immediately afterward.
Lynskey, a DJ known as Joe Usher, has received support from friends who have started a fundraising campaign to help cover his medical expenses. His sister expressed gratitude for his survival, emphasizing the importance of supporting him during his recovery.
Police believe the attack was random. Notably, Hawkins had previous charges two months prior for harassing a woman and had been released without bail for those offenses.
