Elderly NYC Subway Victim Remains Critical After Vicious Attack

Daughter prays for miracle recovery as 83-year-old Air Force veteran fights for his life

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An 83-year-old Air Force veteran is in critical condition after being shoved onto the subway tracks in Manhattan by a stranger. The victim's daughter, Debbie Williams, said her father loves taking the subway around New York City and was on his way to get sushi when the attack occurred. She is praying for a miracle recovery as her father remains unresponsive on a respirator.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of random acts of violence in the New York City subway system, which has seen a rise in assaults and other crimes in recent years. It also raises concerns about the safety and security of the city's public transportation network, especially for elderly and vulnerable residents.

The details

According to the report, the victim, Richard Williams, was pushed onto the subway tracks at the Lexington Ave.-63rd St. station by a suspect identified as 34-year-old Bairon Hernandez. Hernandez had previously been convicted of illegally entering the U.S. in New Jersey and Texas. Another passenger, Jhon Rodriguez, was also shoved onto the tracks moments before Williams, but was able to be pulled to safety by a good Samaritan before a train arrived.

  • The attack occurred on Sunday morning.
  • Williams has remained in critical condition since the incident.

The players

Richard Williams

An 83-year-old Air Force veteran and New York City resident who was the victim of the subway attack.

Debbie Williams

The daughter of Richard Williams, who is praying for her father's recovery.

Bairon Hernandez

The 34-year-old suspect who was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree assault for shoving Williams and another passenger onto the subway tracks.

Jhon Rodriguez

A 30-year-old passenger who was also shoved onto the subway tracks moments before Williams, but was able to be pulled to safety.

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What they’re saying

“'My father loves the city. He was on his way to get sushi. He took the subway all the time, He's always been a New Yorker. He raised his three daughters on Long Island.'”

— Debbie Williams, Daughter of victim (New York Daily News)

“'He's unresponsive. He's on a respirator. No changes. He's considered critical. We're praying for a miracle. It's horrible.'”

— Debbie Williams, Daughter of victim (New York Daily News)

“'I hope he rots in hell. To push one person down and then to push another down? I thank God that young man that was pushed first — that man, I have to give him my thanks. He helped my father out of the tracks, carried him pretty much. The people there that helped, it was amazing what happened.'”

— Debbie Williams, Daughter of victim (New York Daily News)

What’s next

The suspect, Bairon Hernandez, will appear in Manhattan Criminal Court for his arraignment on the assault charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for increased safety and security measures in the New York City subway system to protect vulnerable riders, especially the elderly, from random acts of violence. It also highlights the importance of community support and the actions of good Samaritans in responding to such emergencies.