Who is Kamel Hawkins? Suspect charged in random NYC subway shove

NEW YORK CITY - A suspect was arrested and charged after a man was randomly pushed onto New York City subway tracks on Tuesday afternoon, the NYPD said.

The suspect, who is allegedly well known to police, is accused of pushing the man onto the tracks in Chelsea right before the New Year's Eve celebrations last night. 

Who is Kamal Hawkins?

According to police, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins is charged with attempted murder in the 2nd degree and assault degree in the 2nd degree. 

Kamel Hawkins, the suspect arrested in connection to a man being shoved onto the subway tracks in Chelsea.

Police say Hawkins was arrested less than an hour after the attack. 

Who is the victim?

The victim, a 45-year-old man, was shoved onto the subway tracks around 1:30 p.m. at the 18th Street station in Chelsea. 

Police say the man was then struck by a southbound No. 1 train. He was rushed to Bellvue Hospital in critical but stable condition.

The victim's identity was unknown at the time.

"An innocent bystander was the victim of an appalling act of violence at the 18th street subway stop today," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a post on ‘X’. "Due to the quick efforts of the NYPD, a suspect has already been taken into custody. My heart goes out to the victim and their family, and I pray for their recovery."