An artist was instantly paralyzed after a deranged homeless man pushed her into a moving New York City Subway train.
Police have charged 39-year-old Kamal Semrade over the attack.
The prosecutor said it was a “completely unprovoked” attack.
The victim is Emine Yilmaz Ozsoy.
She is in critical condition with a high risk of death or stroke.
“I just see him walk up beside her, to her left side, and with palms open just shove her head onto the train as it moved,” witness Nancy Marrero told NBC New York.
According to The New York Post:
Semrade was remanded into custody at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court early Wednesday morning on the attempted murder and assault charges.
His Legal Aid lawyer, Rebecca Heinsen, invoked the high-profile case of Daniel Penny – who is free on $100,000 bail in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely – when trying to petition the judge for some leniency.
“There’s absolutely no reason to remain here, and I’ve asked you also to avoid setting an unreasonably high bail as well,” Heinsen told Judge Lumarie Moldanado Cruz.
“And I asked you to consider all your options.
“He’s eligible for supervised release.”
A Turkish-born artist who moved to New York six years ago was instantly paralyzed from the neck down after a man allegedly shoved her into a moving subway train in what a prosecutor describe as a “completely unprovoked” attack. https://t.co/LFPJO5qsmF
— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 25, 2023
Emine Yilmaz Ozsoy, an artist and illustrator, is in critical condition after being shoved against a speeding subway train on Sunday.
Her story embodies New Yorkers’ persistent fear of such violence underground. https://t.co/iCfy2Aq7KU— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 25, 2023
Emine Yilmaz Ozsoy is paralyzed from the neck down. You can support her gofundme here.https://t.co/aYEEIeFKzZ
Kamal Semrade looks like an absolute angel btw… pic.twitter.com/hEgPwU6oDv
— Kegbeer21 (@kegbeer21) May 25, 2023
Emine Yilmaz Ozsoy’s GoFundMe page says:
“Emine is a source of joy as a friend, colleague, and human being.
“She’s artistic, lighthearted, witty, and, above all, someone we consider family.
“Doctors initially informed us she had a slim chance of recovering movement below the neck.
“In just one day, she challenged that prognosis by moving her arms.
“It is a huge step, but her road to recovery will be long and challenging.
“She’s a fighter and is already fighting to recover.
“She will get there, but she needs everyone’s help.
“Her medical expenses have already reached six digits, and any donation will be gratefully accepted with an open heart.
“If you are unable to make a donation, please consider sharing this link to get the word out, or even keeping Emine in your thoughts.
“No one should have to face such a horrifying tragedy, especially when simply trying to provide for themselves.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all truly for taking the time to read this,” the GoFundMe page says.
