Illegal Alien Accused of Shoving 83-Year-Old Veteran Onto NYC Subway Tracks

The suspect, a four-time deported illegal alien, allegedly left the veteran in critical condition and injured another man in a random attack.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:03pm

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A 34-year-old illegal alien from Honduras named Bairon Posada-Hernandez has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly shoving an 83-year-old Air Force veteran and a 30-year-old man onto subway tracks in New York City. The veteran, Richard Williams, is fighting for his life in the hospital with multiple fractures and head injuries, while the other victim, Jhon Rodriguez, was also injured. Posada-Hernandez has a long criminal history in the U.S. and has been deported four times previously.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies, as immigration authorities are urging New York officials not to release the suspect back into the community. It also raises concerns about public safety and the ability of repeat offenders to commit violent crimes, even after being deported multiple times.

The details

According to police, on March 8th, Posada-Hernandez allegedly walked past Williams and Rodriguez as they were waiting for a subway train in an Upper East Side station, and then pushed both of them onto the tracks. Rodriguez suffered injuries and is unable to work, while Williams is in critical condition with head injuries and multiple fractures. Posada-Hernandez has a criminal record in the U.S. that includes 15 prior charges for crimes like assault, domestic violence, and drug possession. He first illegally crossed the border in 2008 and has been deported four times, most recently in 2020.

  • On March 8, the alleged incident occurred at an Upper East Side subway station.
  • On March 10, Posada-Hernandez was arrested by the NYPD on attempted murder charges.

The players

Bairon Posada-Hernandez

A 34-year-old illegal alien from Honduras who has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for allegedly shoving an 83-year-old veteran and a 30-year-old man onto subway tracks in New York City.

Richard Williams

An 83-year-old Air Force veteran who is in critical condition with multiple fractures and head injuries after being pushed onto the subway tracks.

Jhon Rodriguez

A 30-year-old man who was also allegedly pushed onto the subway tracks by Posada-Hernandez and suffered injuries that have left him unable to work.

Lauren Bis

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security who is calling on New York sanctuary officials not to release Posada-Hernandez from jail and instead turn him over to federal immigration authorities.

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What they’re saying

“Bairon Posada-Herandez is a serial criminal, and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans.”

— Lauren Bis, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson

“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 (FOX12 News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Posada-Hernandez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies and the ability of repeat offenders to commit violent crimes, even after being deported multiple times. It raises serious concerns about public safety and the need for stronger enforcement of immigration laws to protect innocent Americans.