An 18-year-old man, Hiram Carrero, has been charged with arson resulting in injury after allegedly setting fire to a subway car while a person was sleeping inside. The incident occurred on December 1, 2025, in Midtown Manhattan. Carrero appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger following the filing of a federal complaint.
According to authorities, at approximately 3:03 a.m., Carrero boarded a northbound train at the 34th Street – Penn Station stop. He picked up a piece of paper from the subway car, lit it on fire near where the victim was sleeping, and exited the car as the doors closed. Surveillance footage reportedly shows that as the train continued toward 42nd Street – Times Square, flames engulfed both the victim’s legs and part of the train car. Upon arrival at Times Square, the victim emerged from the train with severe burns.
Emergency responders on the platform acted quickly to extinguish the fire and transported the victim to a hospital in critical condition.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “As alleged, Hiram Carrero committed a horrific arson, starting a fire inside of a New York City subway car where a victim was sleeping. As a result of that arson, the victim has suffered severe injuries. The New York City subway is the heart of our City, with millions of people who live and work here relying on it every day. New Yorkers have the right to be safe and feel safe when they ride the subway, and our Office is committed to that result.”
Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge for ATF New York Field Division, said: “The swift arrest in this case demonstrates what is possible when our agencies work as one. ATF New York Special Agents, the NYPD Detectives, and FDNY Fire Marshals brought their unique strengths to bear to identify and locate the suspect responsible for this violent act. The ATF NY Arson and Explosives Task Force is dedicated to protecting this city, and we will continue working with our partners to bring justice to those who threaten public safety. Our partnership with the Southern District of New York remains central to seeking justice.”
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker commented: “This alleged outrageous and senseless attack received an immediate response from our elite joint task force. Our Fire Marshals worked side by side with our partners in the NYPD and ATF to identify and apprehend this suspect quickly. Their work has removed a dangerous individual from the streets of New York City and the FDNY will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to keep New Yorkers safe.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added: “Hiram Carrero showed a complete disregard for human life when he allegedly set a sleeping New Yorker on fire inside a subway car. This attack is among the most serious acts of violence a person can commit, and it has no place in our city—above or below ground. This case also reflects the exceptional work of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, whose investigators worked closely with our federal partners to identify the individual responsible. And it comes at a time when the last five months have been the safest for subway riders in recorded history. I am grateful to our detectives, our responding officers, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their swift and coordinated work on this case.”
Carrero faces charges carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and up to forty years if convicted; sentencing will ultimately be determined by a judge.
U.S. Attorney Clayton commended law enforcement agencies including ATF, NYPD detectives, FDNY Fire Marshals, as well as assistance from United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Molis is leading prosecution efforts through the General Crimes Unit.
Authorities emphasized that all charges are accusations at this stage; Carrero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
