Woman paralyzed after being shoved into a NYC subway speaks about her attacker's "evil action" at his sentencing
The man convicted of pushing a woman into a moving New York City subway car, leaving her paralyzed, was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in prison.
A Manhattan jury found Kamal Semrade, 42, guilty of pushing Emine Ozsoy, 35, at the Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street station in May 2023.
Prosecutors said Semrade walked right behind Ozsoy and shoved her by the head and neck during the unprovoked attack. Ozsoy's face and head hit the train, and she was flung back onto the platform. She fractured her spine and remains paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Semrade was arrested two days later. He was working as a delivery worker and living in a Queens shelter.
He was convicted of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault.
Prosecutors said Semrade had no prior record.
"I am in this condition because of his evil action"
Ozsoy spoke out in court ahead of the sentencing.
"Your honor, there are no words that can fully describe the pain and struggle that I have endured over the past three years," she said, adding she's undergone six surgeries and attended "countless" therapy sessions since the attack.
"There hasn't been a single moment when I have been able to leave this experience behind, or truly find peace," she said. "As a result of this incident, I am no longer able to continue my profession, and I am facing serious financial difficulties. Each day brings new challenges. I am unable to meet even my most basic needs independently and must constantly rely on the help of others."
Ozsoy said the attack impacted her "deeply psychologically," saying she suffers from ongoing anxiety.
"I am in this condition because of his evil action. I have a long life ahead of me, yet I have to live with the circumstances," Ozsoy said. "Every day I ask myself whether justice will be served, or [if] I will be left alone with this injustice. This isn't simply an outcome, it's a necessity for continuing my life. I respectfully ask the court that to ensure that justice is served so that I may at least breath a little easier."
"Nothing can undo the profound harm caused"
Semrade's attorney said he is on medication for his mental health and has a history of issues, despite being deemed fit for trial.
"I do believe his history of mental health is relevant for your honor to consider," defense attorney Michael Fineman said.
The judge agreed to the sentence the prosecution was seeking -- 20 years in state prison.
Semrade showed no emotion and did not speak.
"The sheer randomness of this incident is profoundly disturbing to this court," the judge said as she imposed sentence.
The judge said throughout the trial she has "waited to see you, Mr. Semrade, express a scintilla of remorse. None has been forthcoming."
"Kamal Semarde violently pushed a woman into a moving train, uprooting her life and leaving her with catastrophic, permanent injuries, including paralysis," District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. "After the attack, Semrade callously fled, leaving the victim helpless on the platform. While nothing can undo the profound harm caused, I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice as the victim continues her recovery and works to rebuild her life."
Subway crime is down since 2023
The NYPD's CompStat crime tracking system shows transit crime is down 2.3% from last year and down 17.8% from last month. In 2025, overall crime on transit decreased in all categories except for felony assaults.
Subway crime was also at the lowest level in 16 years, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in December.
Platform barriers have been installed at more than 100 subway stations across the city.
