An 18-year-old man has been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a subway car in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in severe injuries to a victim who was sleeping inside. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the charges against Hiram Carrero following his arrest and court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 3:03 a.m. on December 1, 2025. Carrero reportedly entered a northbound train at the 34th Street – Penn Station stop, picked up a piece of paper from the subway car, lit it on fire near where the victim was sleeping, and exited as the doors closed. Surveillance footage shows that as the train traveled toward 42nd Street – Times Square, flames engulfed both the victim’s legs and part of the train car. The victim exited the train burning when it arrived at Times Square and was immediately assisted by law enforcement on the platform before being taken to hospital in critical condition.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “As alleged, Hiram Carrero committed a horrific arson, starting a fire inside of a New York City subway car where a victim was sleeping. As a result of that arson, the victim has suffered severe injuries. The New York City subway is the heart of our City, with millions of people who live and work here relying on it every day. New Yorkers have the right to be safe and feel safe when they ride the subway, and our Office is committed to that result.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said: “The swift arrest in this case demonstrates what is possible when our agencies work as one. ATF New York Special Agents, the NYPD Detectives, and FDNY Fire Marshals brought their unique strengths to bear to identify and locate the suspect responsible for this violent act. The ATF NY Arson and Explosives Task Force is dedicated to protecting this city, and we will continue working with our partners to bring justice to those who threaten public safety. Our partnership with the Southern District of New York remains central to seeking justice.”
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker commented: “This alleged outrageous and senseless attack received an immediate response from our elite joint task force. Our Fire Marshals worked side by side with our partners in the NYPD and ATF to identify and apprehend this suspect quickly. Their work has removed a dangerous individual from the streets of New York City and the FDNY will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to keep New Yorkers safe.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added: “Hiram Carrero showed a complete disregard for human life when he allegedly set a sleeping New Yorker on fire inside a subway car. This attack is among the most serious acts of violence a person can commit, and it has no place in our city—above or below ground. This case also reflects the exceptional work of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, whose investigators worked closely with our federal partners to identify the individual responsible. And it comes at a time when the last five months have been the safest for subway riders in recorded history. I am grateful to our detectives, our responding officers, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their swift and coordinated work on this case.”
Carrero faces one count of arson resulting in injury to another person; if convicted he faces between seven years’ mandatory minimum imprisonment up to forty years’ maximum sentence as set by Congress; sentencing will ultimately be determined by judicial discretion.
U.S Attorney Clayton acknowledged contributions from multiple agencies including ATF agents; NYPD officers; FDNY Fire Marshals; as well as assistance from United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S Attorney Cameron Molis from General Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.
It is noted that these charges are accusations only; Carrero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
