Hiram Carrero, Subway Arson, New York 2026

Subway Arsonist Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison

A terrifying act of violence on a New York City subway car has resulted in a stiff prison sentence. Hiram Carrero, 19, of New York, New York, was sentenced to 66 months in prison for setting fire to a man who was sleeping on a subway car.

The crime took place in the early morning hours of December 1, 2025, at the 34th Street – Penn Station subway stop. Carrero used a piece of paper to set fire to the sleeping man, leaving him locked inside the car to burn as the train departed.

Video from inside the train car shows that as the train traveled north towards the next station, the fire flared up, engulfing the victim’s legs and a portion of the train car in flames. When the train arrived at 42nd Street – Times Square, the victim emerged, burning from the train.

First responders at the station rushed to extinguish the flames, and the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition after sustaining life-threatening injuries from the fire.

Carrero previously pled guilty to arson on March 5, 2026, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. In addition to his prison sentence, Carrero was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution.

“Setting fire to another person is a breathtaking, horrific, and unconscionable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Thanks to first responders and the women and men of the NYPD and the FDNY, the victim’s life was saved, and a horrific tragedy was averted.

“Subway safety is front of mind for our Office, the NYPD, and our federal partners. Today’s sentence demonstrates that anyone who terrorizes New Yorkers on the subway or anywhere else will face swift justice,” Clayton added.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Fire Department Fire Marshals. The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Molis is in charge of the prosecution.

The defendant, Hiram Carrero, was charged with Arson. The crime took place in New York City, New York. The sentencing date is May 23, 2026. The sentence is 66 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and restitution is ordered.