Civil rights activist Rev. Kevin McCall criticized bystanders for their inaction during the attack and called for city officials to take decisive action.

State Senator Leroy Comrie has demanded accountability from the MTA regarding the incident and the delayed police response, highlighting systemic issues in managing mentally ill individuals.

New York City police have arrested a man, identified as Zapeta-Calil, in connection with the horrific death of a woman who was set on fire aboard a subway train.

During his initial court appearance on December 24, 2024, Zapeta-Calil did not enter a plea, claiming he was unaware of the incident due to alcohol consumption, despite being identifiable in surveillance photos.

Surveillance footage showed Zapeta-Calil calmly approaching the victim, who appeared motionless at the time, leaving questions about whether she was asleep.

In response to the incident, Elon Musk expressed his outrage on social media, linking the event to broader discussions on immigration policies and crime rates.

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, pointed to the 'Daniel Penny effect' as a reason for bystanders' reluctance to intervene in dangerous situations.

Local residents expressed their devastation over the incident, with one neighbor describing the scene as 'heartbreaking' and 'surreal,' reflecting the community's shock.

Commissioner Tisch praised the quick actions of students who reported the suspect, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in crime reporting.

Experts warn that without significant political changes in leadership, improvements in subway safety are unlikely, leaving commuters vulnerable.

State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar noted that many New Yorkers are reluctant to intervene in such situations due to fears of inadequate support from elected officials.

The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and immigration policies in the U.S., with some users linking these issues to the tragic event.