Arrest Made in Random Subway Push in Manhattan

Police have announced an arrest in the brutal subway push attack. -Photo by NYPD

Brutal Attack Leaves Victim in Critical Condition- Spinal Damage

By Dan Gesslein

Manhattan Voice

May 23, 2023

MANHATTAN - A Queens man is facing attempted murder charges in the brutal random subway push attack on Lexington Avenue that left a woman with serious spinal damage, cops said. 

Police arrested 39-year-old Kamal Semrade of Elmhurst, Queens. He was charged with attempted murder and assault in the attack on 35-year-old Emine Ozsoy. The victim suffered a fractured spine in the attack and is need need of surgery.

At around 6 am yesterday, Ozsoy was walking on the southbound platform of the “E” train at the Lexington Avenue/63rd Street Station. Suddenly a man ran up to her and shoved her from behind. The woman slammed head first into the subway car of an E train departing the station. 

The NY Post quotes a witness at the scene who said the attacker held the woman’s head into the train as it departed causing a massive cut to her head and spinal damage. 

The victim was rushed by EMS to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition. She is being treated for lacerations to the head and spinal injuries. 

Reports say the victim will need spinal surgery.  

The attack has further rattled the nerves of subway riders. Straphangers were shocked by the violence and randomness of the attack but also the fact that the alleged attacker showed no signs of his intentions. Unlike in previous subway push or attacks, the alleged attacker was not seen screaming at people or talking to himself. Instead the suspect is seen on surveillance video quietly sipping his coffee.