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(TJV) The Brooklyn man accused of shoving a straphanger into the path of an incoming 1 train in Manhattan has a lengthy history of arrests and missed opportunities for intervention, The New York Post reports.
Kamel Hawkins, 23, was arraigned Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of attempted murder and assault after the random attack at the 18th Street subway station. The victim, a 45-year-old music programmer, suffered severe injuries, including four broken ribs, a fractured skull, and a ruptured spleen, but survived after falling into the trench beneath the train.
Hawkins’ father, Shamel Hawkins, 40, told The Post that his son’s behavior had changed significantly in recent weeks. “About three weeks ago he was all right, and then he started acting weird. We wanted to get him help, but he refused,” the elder Hawkins said.
Hawkins, who has at least three prior arrests, has been involved in multiple violent incidents, including a 2019 assault on an NYPD officer in Queens. During that altercation, Hawkins reportedly body-slammed the officer, causing back injuries. “Anyone who attacks a cop in full uniform is capable of doing far worse to defenseless civilians,” Patrick Hendry, president of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, told The Post.
More recently, Hawkins faced charges of assault, harassment, and weapons possession in Brooklyn stemming from an October incident. Despite prosecutors requesting bail, he was referred to a court intervention program under the state’s “Problem-Solving Courts” initiative. The program aims to offer alternatives to incarceration, such as mental health treatment and community-based support.
However, critics argue that these alternatives often fail to protect the public from repeat offenders. “Every time the justice system drops the ball on an assault on a police officer, it puts every New Yorker in danger,” Hendry said.
Shamel Hawkins told The Post that his son had been living in a shelter and seemed to be struggling with mental health issues. “He needs help. We love him, but we can’t help him—not when he refused the help we tried to connect him with,” he said. “We try to help, but if he don’t want it, what can we do?”
Hawkins’ father expressed disbelief upon learning of his son’s alleged involvement in the subway attack. “We saw him here on Christmas. I can’t believe this,” he said.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment Hawkins shoved the victim onto the tracks in what police described as an unprovoked attack. Law enforcement sources said the victim was lucky to land in the trench beneath the train, avoiding an even more tragic outcome.
Following his arrest near Columbus Circle, Hawkins was ordered held without bail during his arraignment. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated Hawkins appeared intent on causing maximum harm during the attack.
The case has reignited debate over New York’s criminal justice system and its handling of individuals with violent tendencies. Critics point to Hawkins’ participation in a problem-solving court as a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.
This incident is a stark reminder, The Post notes, that reforms in the justice system must balance rehabilitation efforts with the safety of the public.
