New York City — A 35-year-old man was pushed onto subway tracks in Brooklyn early Sunday morning in what police describe as an unprovoked and random act of violence, marking the second subway shoving incident of 2026 in New York City.
The incident unfolded around 4:55 a.m. on the southbound R train platform at 36th Street in Sunset Park, according to authorities and law enforcement sources.
Victim pushed without warning, suspect flees
Police say the victim was standing on the platform when a stranger suddenly approached and shoved him onto the track bed without saying a word. There was no interaction or apparent argument before the attack.
“This appears to be a completely unprovoked shove,” investigators said, describing the incident as random.
The suspect immediately fled the station and had not been arrested as of Monday afternoon, police confirmed.
Victim avoids oncoming train, survives
Fortunately, no train was entering the station at the time of the shove. Responding officers helped the victim climb back onto the platform.
The man was transported to NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, where he was listed in stable condition, police said. Authorities have not released additional details about the extent of his injuries.
Suspect description released
The New York Police Department released surveillance images Monday afternoon showing the suspect near the turnstile area of the station.
Police describe the suspect as:
- Male
- Dark, curly hair
- Short beard
- Wearing a black and gray jacket
- Wearing khaki pants
Investigators believe the suspect fled on foot following the attack.
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Second random subway shove of the year
The Brooklyn incident is the second random subway shove reported in New York City in less than a month.
The year began with a similar and equally disturbing case on New Year’s Day, when a 72-year-old man was shoved into a moving train in the Bronx around 3:30 a.m., according to police and prosecutors.
In that case, authorities said the suspect — described as an intoxicated medical student from Russia — pushed the elderly victim onto the tracks. The man was knocked unconscious but survived and was later hospitalized in stable condition.
Growing safety concerns in subway system
The back-to-back incidents have renewed concerns about random violence in the subway system, particularly during overnight and early-morning hours when platforms are less crowded.
“These attacks are unpredictable and extremely dangerous,” a law enforcement source said, noting that timing alone prevented both incidents from becoming fatal.
Police officials say increased patrols and targeted enforcement efforts remain in place, but acknowledge that random shoves are among the most difficult crimes to prevent.
Public urged to help identify suspect
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the Brooklyn shove to come forward.
Members of the public can contact Crime Stoppers by calling:
- 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
- Spanish line: 1-888-57-PISTA (74782)
Tips can be provided anonymously.
Investigation continues
As detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts, police say the suspect remains at large. Officials urge riders to remain alert, especially on platforms, and to report suspicious behavior immediately.
The incident adds to ongoing conversations about public safety, mental health interventions, and policing strategies within New York City’s transit system.
Do you feel safe riding the subway late at night? What steps do you think could help prevent random acts of violence? Share your thoughts in the comments.
