Staff Reports
A 23-year-old New Yorker, Kamel Hawkins, has found himself in hot water after a brazen attack on an unsuspecting stranger at the 18th Street subway station. His charges? Second-degree assault and attempted murder. One can only imagine what went through Hawkins’ mind as he decided to give an unwitting commuter a shove into the path of an oncoming 1 train. Perhaps he thought it was a game of “who can survive the subway system.” Spoiler alert: it’s not a game anyone wants to play.
In a city that already seems to have a crime problem befitting a dystopian movie, Hawkins’ alleged antics spark concern among citizens who are wondering whether their public transit system is going to keep them safe or turn into an action movie scene from a less-than-favorable Hollywood flick. Times Square may be a tourist trap, but the subway has officially claimed its title for being the most unpredictable ride in the Big Apple. Who, after all, wants their daily commute to feel like an escape room with real peril?
The unfolding story raises some pertinent questions. Was alcohol consumption involved? Drug use? Did Hawkins miss the memo about not using fellow travelers as test dummies for reckless behavior? These incidents make it increasingly clear that the city needs better measures to protect its residents from the elements of a crime-infested underbelly. One could argue that Hawkins’ miscalculated actions are indicative of a broader social issue, but who’s really surprised?
Leftists know their policies will result in more victims, and they don’t care https://t.co/KxnPm2kRd0 pic.twitter.com/SEGxf3myTA
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) January 2, 2025
Certainly, New Yorkers can only do so much to fend off the waves of criminal activity hugging the city’s streets. With rising concerns regarding public safety stemming from such attacks, perhaps it’s time to revisit the “defund the police” movement that has gained some traction in progressive circles. When people contemplate getting shivved instead of simply taking the subway home, it might be time to reconsider how priorities are set in the city that never sleeps—or in this case, a city that might just have to sleep with one eye open.
Hawkins’ case not only highlights the dangers of riding the New York City subway but also reminds us that everyday citizens should not have to live in fear of surprise pushers. As the story continues to develop, public discourse will inevitably focus on the root causes of such behavior and how to prevent further incidents. If only Hawkins had watched a few motivational speeches instead of trying to send someone flying off a subway platform. It’s remarkable the lengths some will go to while others are just trying to make it through the day without being tossed to the trains.
