NYC subway stabbing intensifies transit-safety fears as Charlotte case spurs renewed alert

A New York City commuter was stabbed on a subway car in Queens late Sunday, the NYPD said, in what authorities described as a random attack on a No. 7 train at the 111th Street station. The victim, Roberto Gaspar, 25, was stabbed multiple times in the back with an unknown sharp object after a man approached from behind, police said. Gaspar was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, and the suspect fled the scene.

The NYPD released a description of the suspect, asking the public for information. He is described as light-skinned with a slim build, about 20 to 25 years old. Investigators released security footage showing a person onboard the train the night of the attack. Police urged anyone with information to come forward and contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Gaspar, who works 10-hour shifts five days a week at a Manhattan restaurant to send money home to his family in Guatemala, was on his way home when the assault occurred. His friend, Tomas Calel, told the New York Post that Gaspar was “in the ICU” and unable to speak, describing him as serious and hooked up to machines. “He didn’t see anything. He doesn’t know who did it,” Calel added. The attack has prompted concern among some riders about nighttime security on the city’s transit system.

The incident arrived in the context of growing unease about transit safety in major U.S. cities, particularly in the wake of a separate, high-profile fatal stabbing in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Aug. 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who had fled the war, was stabbed to death while riding a light rail train. Police described the attack as random, and last week the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office charged Decarlos Dejaun Brown Jr. with first-degree murder in Zarutska’s death. Zarutska had been working at a local pizzeria and was en route home when she was killed.

Calel, who has known Gaspar since he began working in New York, said the attack has left Gaspar’s friends and family shaken and fearful about late-night commutes. “I feel bad for him,” Calel said. “He didn’t see anything. He doesn’t know who did it.” The NYPD is reviewing video and seeking additional witnesses who may identify the attacker, including anyone who might have noticed the suspect in the station or aboard the train around the time of the incident.

The Charlotte case has intensified scrutiny of how city transit systems handle safety, with lawmakers in several states calling for greater lighting, increased patrols, and enhanced surveillance on trains and at stations. Zarutska’s death, which sparked a wave of tributes and a GoFundMe campaign to support her family, underscored the vulnerable moments riders face when public transportation stops between destinations.

Investigators in New York and Charlotte emphasized that early information is critical to identifying suspects and stemming further violence. In New York, police encouraged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers. In Charlotte, authorities have urged witnesses or anyone with relevant video or information to come forward as the investigation continues. The two cases illustrate how acts of violence on public transit can reverberate beyond city borders, prompting renewed debate about safety and prevention strategies for riders across the country.

Public safety officials note that while random attacks on transit are relatively rare, they have a pronounced impact on rider confidence and daily routines. Riders like Gaspar, who commute from neighborhoods outside Manhattan to support families overseas, describe a heightened sense of vigilance after incidents like these. Some say they now adjust their routines, opting for daytime travel when possible or changing routes to avoid late-night transit.

As investigators pursue leads, the NYPD has asked the public to help identify the suspect and provide any information that could link him to the attack. The department has not released a motive, and there is no confirmed connection between the New York incident and Zarutska’s death in Charlotte. Still, the timing has amplified public concern about transit safety nationwide, with riders and advocates urging resilience, accountability, and tangible safety measures for those who rely on trains and buses for daily life.

The NYPD continues to review surveillance video, canvass the area around the 111th Street station, and seek people who might have observed the suspect either at the station or aboard the No. 7 line that night. Gaspar’s family has requested privacy while he remains hospitalized, and doctors have not disclosed a prognosis. The investigation remains active, and police have not identified a motive or a weapon at this time.

Authorities in Charlotte also reiterated that Zarutska’s death is under active investigation and that Brown Jr. is in custody on murder charges, with prosecutors pursuing the case through the court system. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has asked the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity or individuals to authorities.

The sequence of events in New York and Charlotte has prompted discussions about transit-safety investments in major urban centers. Advocates say measures such as improved lighting at stations, visible security, and rapid-response patrols can help deter random violence and reassure riders who rely on public transportation for work, school, and everyday life. Officials say they will continue to monitor crime patterns on mass transit and consider policy responses to address rider concerns while ensuring civil liberties and accessibility."