In a horrifying act of violence that has sparked outrage and political debate, a Guatemalan national previously deported by the Trump administration in 2018 is accused of burning a woman to death aboard a New York City subway. The suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, reentered the U.S. illegally as a “gotaway” under the Biden administration, roaming freely until the brutal attack.
The tragedy unfolded on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn around 7:30 a.m. The victim, described as a homeless woman seeking shelter on the subway, was reportedly napping when Zapeta launched his unprovoked attack.
According to law enforcement, Zapeta sat across from the woman and tossed a lit match at her, igniting her clothing. Liquor bottles were found near the victim, though their role in the blaze remains unclear. Startling video footage revealed the suspect stayed at the scene after the attack, sitting on a nearby bench and even fanning the flames as the woman burned.
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The attack has drawn additional outrage due to the actions—or lack thereof—of a transit police officer who walked past the horrific scene. Video shows the officer speaking on a radio but failing to intervene or detain the suspect. The lack of immediate assistance has fueled public criticism and raised questions about subway safety and law enforcement’s response.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sources confirmed that Sebastian Zapeta is an illegal alien who was deported by the Trump administration in June 2018. Zapeta initially entered the U.S. illegally via Arizona on June 1, 2018, and was deported just six days later.
However, under the Biden administration, Zapeta managed to reenter the country as a “gotaway,” a term used for individuals who evade detection and border enforcement. DHS has not disclosed when or where Zapeta crossed back into the U.S., highlighting a troubling gap in border security.
Critics of current immigration policies argue that Zapeta’s ability to reenter the country and commit such a heinous crime underscores the dangers posed by lax border enforcement. With over 1.7 million gotaways reported under the Biden administration, cases like Zapeta’s are fueling demands for stricter measures.
The victim’s identity has not been released, but reports describe her as a homeless woman who frequently sought refuge on the subway. Her senseless death has shocked the community and reignited concerns about crime in New York City’s subway system, which has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent years.
Witnesses expressed horror at both the crime and the perceived indifference of those nearby, including the transit officer. “This wasn’t just about a man committing a crime,” said one commuter. “It’s about a system that failed to protect this woman every step of the way.”
This incident has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration policy and public safety. Conservative lawmakers and commentators have seized on the case as evidence of the Biden administration’s failure to secure the border and enforce immigration laws effectively.
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin highlighted the case on social media, writing:
“Per DHS sources, the suspect accused of burning a woman to death on a NYC subway is a Guatemalan illegal alien who was previously deported by the Trump administration and re-entered the U.S. illegally as a gotaway.”
Advocates for stricter immigration policies argue that the system’s failures in cases like Zapeta’s endanger public safety and erode trust in government institutions.
This horrifying incident also shines a spotlight on crime and safety concerns in New York City’s public transit system. Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials have pledged to address these issues, but critics argue that more immediate and effective measures are needed to protect commuters.
Additionally, the role of law enforcement in the incident has come under scrutiny. The transit officer’s apparent lack of action has raised questions about training, preparedness, and accountability in responding to emergencies.
As the investigation continues, the tragic story of Sebastian Zapeta and his victim serves as a chilling reminder of the intersection between immigration policy and public safety. The victim’s death has left a scar on New York City, prompting calls for accountability at all levels—from federal immigration enforcement to local law enforcement and subway safety protocols.
For critics, Zapeta’s reentry into the U.S. as a gotaway underscores the urgent need for comprehensive border security measures and stricter immigration enforcement. For the victim and her family, the tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of inaction and systemic failure.
The nation now faces a pivotal moment: to address the flaws that allowed this preventable tragedy to occur and to ensure no one else suffers the same fate.
