Man set on fire near Times Square; NYPD launches manhunt for suspect

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Man set on fire Midtown early morning

When police arrived at the scene, a 49-year-old man told them that a male suspect approached him. The suspect threw a liquid on him and then set him on fire. The victim suffered burns to his face and arms. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition. Authorities have reported that the suspect was wearing blue clothing.

However, no other details about the suspect are available at this time. The NYPD is continuing its investigation. Officers are working to identify the individual responsible for this violent attack near Times Square, as reported by ABC7.

Concerns grow for public safety

The recent incident in Times Square, where a man was set on fire, has heightened concerns over public safety in New York City, following a similarly shocking attack in early December 2024. In that case, 57-year-old Debrina Kawam was set on fire inside a subway carriage, an act that horrified New Yorkers and reignited debates over crime in the city. The suspect in that attack, Sebastián Zapeta, was arrested after police released images of him. He faces charges of murder and arson.

The suspect was apprehended just hours after the attack. Police revealed that he had not fled the scene while Kawam burned to death. He was later arrested while still wearing the same clothes he had on during the incident. Upon his arrest, officers also discovered a lighter in his pocket, further linking him to the horrific crime, as reported by The Guardian.