D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In Unprovoked Subway Stabbing At Union Square Station

"New Yorkers were commuting to work on the subway when Christopher Betancourt stabbed a 45-year-old man without provocation at Union Square, after exiting an L train," said District Attorney Bragg. "I hope the victim continues to heal from this horrifying transit attack. Individuals who harm New Yorkers in our transit system will be held accountable."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on December 10th, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., BETANCOURT entered a Manhattan-bound L train at the Canarsie Street Station.

At approximately 9:51 a.m., a 45-year-old man exited the subway at Union Square. BETANCOURT stayed inside the subway car for about one minute before exiting and immediately charging towards the man, stabbing him in the back three times with a knife.

The victim fought BETANCOURT off and was able to grab the knife.

BETANCOURT left on a Brooklyn bound L train and went back to the Canarsie station.

The victim walked to NYPD Transit Division 4 inside of the Union Square Station. He gave them the knife and went to Bellevue to get stitches for the three stab wounds on his back.

On February 10, 2026, BETANCOURT was arrested.

Assistant D.A. Maraya Aboly-Brown (Trial Bureau 80) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Daniel Makofsky (Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 80), Siobhan Carty (Chief of Trial Bureau 80), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Eric Amato of the NYPD Manhattan Transit Squad and Officer Jonathan Pagan Colon of Transit Division 4.

Defendant Information:

CHRISTOPHER BETANCOURT

Brooklyn, NY

Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor, two counts

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.