The man who suffered severe burns after a stranger threw flaming liquid on him on the subway bravely shielded his fiancée from the attack, he revealed to The Post from his hospital bed.
Petrit Alijaj, 23, is currently hospitalized at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital with burns covering 30 percent of his body. Despite the pain and shock from the incident, Alijaj remains in good spirits knowing he protected his loved one.
Alijaj recounted the harrowing experience of the attack, where the assailant, identified as 49-year-old Nile Taylor, threw a cup of burning liquid at him as they rode the subway. In a selfless act, Alijaj turned to shield his fiancée and cousin from the flames, sustaining burns to his chest, neck, arms, ears, and hand in the process.
Despite the ordeal, Alijaj remains optimistic about his recovery, even joking that the doctors may have overestimated the extent of his burns. He is grateful that his face was spared from the fire, and he continues to show resilience in the face of adversity.
Taylor was apprehended by police a few blocks away from the scene, and authorities are investigating whether he was involved in a similar incident in February. The community has rallied around Alijaj, offering support and well-wishes for his speedy recovery.
The brave actions of Petrit Alijaj in the face of danger serve as a testament to his courage and love for his fiancée. The incident has sparked outrage and concern for the safety of commuters, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures on public transportation.
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