A man from Honduras, who has been deported four times, was taken into custody in New York after allegedly pushing two individuals, including an elderly veteran, onto the subway tracks this past Sunday, according to reports.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Fox News that 34-year-old Bairon Posada-Hernandez was arrested and a detainer was issued following the incident. DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis remarked that Posada-Hernandez is a repeat offender who should have never been allowed to harm innocent people in the streets of the city.
“We’re praying for the victims and their families. We urge New York politicians who support sanctuary policies to honor this Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer and not release this dangerous individual back into the community,” she added.
Records from the New York State Unified Court System indicate that Posada-Hernandez was arrested on Tuesday, with the detainer lodged the following evening, Fox News reported.
Additionally, reports suggest that he faces charges of First Degree Assault, with some sources also claiming an attempted murder charge. The NYPD has released images of the suspect and requested assistance from the public to help locate him.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the suspect approached a 30-year-old man from behind and pushed him onto the subway tracks. The incident occurred at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street subway station.
Among the victims was 83-year-old Richard Williams, an Air Force veteran. Reports state that he is currently in critical condition with multiple fractures and bleeding on the brain. His granddaughter expressed the emotional toll the situation has on their family, explaining how difficult it is not to be able to engage with him like they used to.
The younger victim, Jhon Rodriguez, recounted how he witnessed Williams fall onto the tracks and immediately rushed to help, carrying him off just in time to avoid a train.
“I felt really scared. I was trembling. I felt disoriented,” Rodriguez shared, mentioning that he is now suffering from injuries that have kept him from working.
Posada-Hernandez first entered the U.S. in 2008 and has faced deportation multiple times up until July 2020. He has a lengthy criminal record with at least 15 charges, including various forms of assault and weapon possession.
As of now, ICE’s New York City office has not confirmed whether a detainer is in effect. Posada-Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
