Man Brutally Set Ablaze in Times Square, NYPD Launches Manhunt

New York City — A shocking act of violence unfolded in the heart of Times Square in the early hours of Sunday, March 16, 2025, leaving a 45-year-old man hospitalized and police scrambling to track down the perpetrator. The horrific incident occurred around 3:55 a.m. at the intersection of 41st Street and 7th Avenue, a location typically synonymous with bright lights and tourist crowds, now marred by a chilling crime scene.

According to authorities, an unidentified suspect approached the victim and doused him with an unknown liquid before setting him ablaze in a swift and deliberate attack. The flames engulfed the man’s face and arms, inflicting severe burns. Bystanders and emergency responders acted quickly, and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital. Medical officials report that, despite the gruesome nature of his injuries, he remains in stable condition.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched an intensive investigation, with officers combing through surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify the assailant, who fled the scene immediately after the attack. As of now, law enforcement has not released a description of the suspect, nor have they determined whether the victim was specifically targeted or if the assault was a random act of violence in one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

“This is a brazen and disturbing crime,” said an NYPD spokesperson during a brief press update Sunday morning. “We are working around the clock to apprehend the individual responsible and ensure justice is served.” 17GEN4.com