Veteran, 83, Fighting for Life After Subway Push Attack

Suspect in custody after two men were shoved onto tracks in New York City

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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An 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran is in critical condition after being pushed onto the subway tracks in New York City. The victim, Richard Williams, suffered severe injuries including brain bleeding and multiple fractures. Another man, 30-year-old Jhon Rodriguez, was also pushed but survived. Police have a person of interest in custody but have not filed charges yet.

Why it matters

This violent subway attack highlights the ongoing public safety concerns in New York City's transit system. Subway push incidents have been on the rise in recent years, raising questions about security measures and mental health support for vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred on a subway platform just before noon on Sunday. Surveillance video shows a suspect suddenly shoving both Williams and Rodriguez onto the tracks. Rodriguez was able to get himself off the tracks, but the 83-year-old Williams was left unconscious and severely injured. Riders quickly sprang into action to pull Williams from the tracks before the next train arrived.

  • The incident occurred just before noon on Sunday, March 10, 2026.
  • As of Monday, March 11, 2026, Williams remained in the intensive care unit fighting for his life.

The players

Richard Williams

An 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and cancer survivor who is in critical condition after being pushed onto the subway tracks.

Jhon Rodriguez

A 30-year-old man who was also pushed onto the subway tracks but survived with injuries.

Samantha Loria

The granddaughter of Richard Williams, who says her grandfather is fighting for his life after the attack.

New York Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the subway push incident and holding a person of interest in custody.

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What they’re saying

“I felt really scared. I was trembling. I felt disoriented. I saw him [Williams] fall on his head, and I saw him bleeding.”

— Jhon Rodriguez (WCBS)

“My grandpa sadly [suffered] multiple fractures in his body. His brain, he's bleeding. They can't stop the bleeding. He hit his head on the train tracks. Thank God, there wasn't a train coming.”

— Samantha Loria, Granddaughter of Richard Williams (WCBS)

What’s next

Officials said Tuesday morning that a person of interest was in custody, but no charges have been filed yet. The investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This horrific subway attack underscores the need for enhanced security measures and mental health support in New York City's transit system to protect vulnerable riders. The community is rallying around the 83-year-old veteran as he fights for his life, highlighting the human toll of such senseless violence.