Woman Shoved Onto NYC Subway Tracks Slams Mayor's Safety Plan

Victim narrowly escapes death, warns of ongoing public safety crisis under Mayor Mamdani's policies

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A 51-year-old woman was shoved onto the subway tracks in Brooklyn by a repeat violent offender, suffering serious injuries. She narrowly escaped death thanks to two Good Samaritans, but is now sounding the alarm on the city's public safety crisis under Mayor Mamdani's administration and his plans to address crime through social workers rather than law enforcement.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing public safety concerns in New York City, with repeat offenders like the alleged attacker being released back onto the streets despite a history of violence. The victim's criticism of Mayor Mamdani's proposed 'Department of Community Safety' plan raises questions about the effectiveness of that approach in dealing with dangerous criminals.

The details

The 51-year-old victim, a home health aide, was standing on the R line platform in Sunset Park, Brooklyn when she was allegedly pushed onto the tracks by repeat offender Curtis Signal. She slammed into the track bed, suffering three broken ribs and two compressed vertebrae. Two Good Samaritans helped her back onto the platform just before a train arrived. The attack left her with a spinal injury that may impact her ability to work. Signal has a long history of violent incidents in the subway system, including assaults on other women, but has repeatedly avoided substantial jail time.

  • The attack occurred around 8:45 a.m. on Valentine's Day.
  • In September 2023, Signal allegedly punched a 67-year-old woman at a Queens subway station.
  • In June 2024, Signal was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to assaulting the 67-year-old woman.
  • Just three days after the subway attack, Signal was arrested for punching a police officer and breaking his nose in the Bronx.
  • In 2022, Signal allegedly beat a 31-year-old woman on a Queens street and struck his 13-year-old sister, leaving her with a black eye.

The players

Curtis Signal

A repeat violent offender with a history of assaults in the New York City subway system, including attacks on multiple women.

The Victim

A 51-year-old home health aide who was shoved onto the subway tracks, suffering serious injuries including three broken ribs and two compressed vertebrae.

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, whose plans to address crime through a 'Department of Community Safety' have been criticized by the victim as ineffective.

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What they’re saying

“I was facing death. I called out for my mom but the only thing I could think about was my children. I didn't want to leave them alone.”

— The Victim (New York Post)

“The system is failing. How is a social worker going to manage this guy? He was a big guy who hit me with so much force.”

— The Victim (New York Post)

“This is going to happen again and again and maybe worse.”

— The Victim (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in Curtis Signal's case will decide whether to grant him bail at his next court appearance.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the ongoing public safety crisis in New York City, with repeat offenders like Curtis Signal being released back onto the streets despite a history of violence. The victim's criticism of Mayor Mamdani's proposed reforms raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of the administration's approach to addressing crime and protecting vulnerable New Yorkers.