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2 arrested after homeless man set on fire inside Penn Station, police say
By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 4, 2026
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By
Charles Lane
Published Mar 4, 2026
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Two people have been arrested in connection with an attack in which a homeless man was set on fire inside Penn Station earlier this week, police officials said.
Amtrak police arrested Damon Johnson, 47, on Tuesday night near West 31st Street and Eighth Avenue, police said. He was charged with attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment.
Authorities said Johnson was among a group that set a 37-year-old man on fire while he slept inside the Amtrak rotunda beneath Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
Police said the victim suffered second-degree burns but is in stable condition.
Investigators said Johnson has 88 prior arrests, mostly for drug offenses and fare evasion.
A second suspect, Lyla Najjar, 33, was arrested Wednesday morning near West 37th Street and Seventh Avenue and charged with assault, police said.
Police said both were accused of taking part in the attack, though authorities had previously said three people were involved. It was unclear whether investigators were still searching for a third suspect.
Attorney information for Johnson and Najjar was not immediately available.
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public safety
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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