Congressional Republicans called for severe punishment following a deadly attack on a New York City subway, where an illegal immigrant allegedly set a woman on fire days before Christmas.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) advocated for swift legal action against Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national accused of the fatal assault at Brooklyn’s Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The incident occurred on a stationary F train where the victim was reportedly sleeping.
Marjorie Taylor Green has had enough and wants the death penalty for Migrant who allegedly set woman on fire. https://t.co/yjeGDCbdBF
— Christopher "Todd" Stephens (@HomesInEastTn4U) December 26, 2024
The suspect had previously been deported during the Trump administration in 2018 before reentering the country illegally. The timing and location of his reentry remain unknown.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for death penalty for illegal alien who allegedly set woman on fire
👇https://t.co/Ztj7EZDsyf— Stoned Ranger (@Stoned_Ranger_) December 26, 2024
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) echoed Greene’s sentiments, while Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) connected the incident to broader criticism of Democratic policies regarding crime and immigration enforcement.
Biggs highlighted the contrast between the attack and recent statements from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul promoting subway safety. The timing of Hochul’s comments drew particular attention given the circumstances.
The victim suffered fatal injuries after allegedly being doused with liquid and set ablaze. The incident prompted immediate calls for stricter immigration enforcement and criminal justice reforms.
Greene expressed additional concern about the apparent lack of intervention during the attack, questioning why fellow passengers seemed unable to prevent the tragedy.
The case reignited debate about immigration policies and public safety measures in major urban centers, particularly regarding repeat offenders who reenter the country illegally.
