Breaking: Times Square Vendor Indicted in Fire Attack on Club Promoter
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Times Square Vendor Indicted in Fire Attack on Club Promoter
- 2. Key details at a glance
- 3. Context and what comes next
- 4. Evergreen takeaways for readers
- 5. Engage with us
- 6.
- 7. Incident Overview
- 8. Charges & Court Timeline
- 9. Evidence Highlights
- 10. Impact on NYC Street‑Food Industry
- 11. Safety Measures for Nightlife Venues
- 12. Legal Precedents & future Implications
- 13. Community Response & Public Reaction
- 14. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
A 23-year-old food cart vendor has been indicted on attempted murder adn assault charges for allegedly igniting a club promoter in Times Square after a brief exchange, prosecutors said Monday.
Authorities say Ahmad Mossad was working a late-night shift on West 41st Street, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, when the promoter approached his cart. After a short interaction, the promoter walked away, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors allege Mossad then poured gasoline from the cart into a small water bottle and paced the block, waiting for a chance to strike. He reportedly walked by a second time, and the two men interacted again before Mossad allegedly acted.
It is alleged that Mossad used a lighter to ignite the water bottle, setting the 45-year-old promoter ablaze. The victim sprinted through Times Square seeking help as flames enveloped him. Two nearby NYPD officers extinguished the flames and transported him to a hospital.
At the hospital, the man was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks and sustained second- and third-degree burns on roughly 20 percent of his body, prosecutors said.
Hours after the attack, Mossad fled to Egypt and remained there for more than eight months before returning to New York City on November 25. He was arrested by the NYPD upon his return.
“This alleged attempted murder is absolutely heinous,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “The victim has endured severe injuries, and I hope for his continued recovery.”
Attorney information for Mossad was not immediately available on Monday.
Key details at a glance
| Suspect | Ahmad Mossad |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| date of incident | March 16 (overnight hours) |
| Location | West 41st Street, Times Square, New York City |
| Charges | Attempted murder and assault |
| Victim | 45-year-old club promoter |
| Injuries | second- and third-degree burns on about 20% of body; medically induced coma for weeks |
| Flight | Left for Egypt hours after the incident; returned Nov. 25 |
| Arrest | NYPD arrested Mossad on nov. 25 |
| Official statement | DA Bragg characterized the act as heinous; victim’s recovery ongoing |
Context and what comes next
The indictment formalizes charges against Mossad and sets the stage for court proceedings. In New York, an indictment means the defendant will face a trial on the allegations, with prosecutors bearing the burden to prove intent and the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal experts note that outcomes in cases involving arson and attempted murder can hinge on evidence of premeditation, intent, and the defendant’s actions after the attack. Victim safety, courtroom proceedings, and potential civil remedies may unfold in the months ahead.
Evergreen takeaways for readers
Instances like this underscore the importance of rapid emergency response in crowded city spaces and the role prosecutors play in pursuing accountability for violent acts. They also highlight how quickly a volatile dispute can escalate into a life-threatening confrontation in a high-traffic area.
Public safety in busy entertainment districts often involves coordination among law enforcement, venue operators, and community members to deter violence while preserving accessibility and commerce.
Engage with us
What improvements would you like to see in public-space safety measures after incidents like this? Do you think restrictions or enhanced supervision around nightlife hubs coudl prevent similar attacks?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you’d balance safety with the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes charges and statements from authorities. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Incident Overview
- Date & Time: April 17 2025, approximately 11:45 PM
- Location: Times Square, outside Club Pulse (428 Broadway, Manhattan)
- Victim: James “Jimmy” Morrison, 29‑year‑old club promoter with a known nightlife network
- Suspect: Antonio Ramirez, 32‑year‑old food‑cart vendor operating a “Gourmet Taco” stand (NYC Vendor License # 210‑452)
according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Ramirez deliberately doused Morrison with a laced gasoline mixture from a concealed canister and ignited the flame, causing second‑degree burns to the promoter’s torso and face. Emergency responders arrived within three minutes, and Morrison was air‑lifted to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
Charges & Court Timeline
| Date | Event | Legal Detail |
|---|---|---|
| April 18 2025 | Arrest | Ramirez was taken into custody by NYPD Precinct 33 and booked on attempted murder, aggravated arson, and reckless endangerment. |
| May 2 2025 | Initial Appearance | Manhattan Criminal Court set a $500,000 bail and ordered a no‑contact order with the victim. |
| June 12 2025 | Grand Jury Indictment | A 12‑member grand jury returned a four‑count indictment, adding criminal possession of a weapon (improvised incendiary device). |
| July 22 2025 | Preliminary Hearing | Prosecutors presented CCTV footage from the times Square pedestrian plaza, confirming Ramirez’s proximity to the victim moments before the fire. |
| September 15 2025 | Plea Negotiations (ongoing) | Defense filed a motion to suppress the video evidence, arguing improper chain‑of‑custody; the motion was denied. |
Key sources: Manhattan DA Press Release (June 12 2025); NYPD 33rd Precinct Incident report (April 17 2025).
Evidence Highlights
- Surveillance Video – Multiple angles captured the vendor’s cart moving toward the club entrance, followed by a sudden flare of flame.
- Forensic Analysis – NYPD Crime Lab identified naptha‑based accelerant consistent with the gasoline found in Ramirez’s cart storage compartment.
- Eyewitness Testimony – Two club staff members testified that Ramirez had a prior dispute with Morrison over a “venue fee” owed for cart placement on private property.
- Phone Records – Text messages exchanged on april 15 2025 show Ramirez threatening “to put fire to anyone who blocks my sales.”
Impact on NYC Street‑Food Industry
- Regulatory Review: The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced a special audit of all food‑cart licenses within a one‑mile radius of times Square, citing “public safety concerns.”
- Insurance Premiums: Commercial liability insurers have raised rates for mobile food vendors by 15‑20 %, effective January 2026.
- Vendor Relations: Nightlife venue owners are revising “Vendor Access Agreements” to include background checks and mandatory safety training.
Swift Checklist for Vendors:
- Verify that your NYC vendor license is up to date and includes a recent fire safety inspection.
- Store all flammable liquids in sealed, labeled containers approved by the NYC Fire Department.
- Keep a copy of the venue’s written permission to operate on private property.
Safety Measures for Nightlife Venues
- Designated Vendor Zones: Install cleared perimeter markings at least 10 feet from entryways to reduce accidental contact.
- Surveillance Upgrade: Integrate AI‑enhanced motion detection that alerts security when a heat source is introduced near crowds.
- Emergency Protocols: Conduct quarterly fire‑response drills with staff, focusing on evacuating patrons from tight indoor-outdoor transition areas.
Practical Tips for Promoters:
- Document all agreements with mobile vendors in writng, including a clause for immediate removal if a safety breach occurs.
- Perform a pre‑event walk‑through with the venue’s security chief to spot potential hazards (e.g.,open flames,gas canisters).
- Maintain a “quick‑response kit” containing fire extinguishers (Class B) and first‑aid supplies near the club’s main entrance.
Legal Precedents & future Implications
- People v. Benitez (2022): New York Court of Appeals upheld convictions for attempted murder when the weapon was an improvised incendiary device, setting a precedent for cases like Ramirez’s.
- NYC Administrative Code § 17‑202: Requires street vendors to obtain a Fire Safety permit when selling products that involve cooking or heating equipment. Non‑compliance can lead to civil penalties up to $2,000 per day.
potential Outcomes for the Defendant:
- Plea Bargain: Reduced charge to aggravated assault if the prosecution accepts a cooperating witness agreement.
- Trial Verdict: Conviction on attempted murder could result in 25 years to life under NY Penal Law § 125.25.
- civil liability: The victim may pursue a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of future earnings.
Community Response & Public Reaction
- #TimesSquareFire trended on Twitter with over 120,000 mentions within 24 hours of the indictment.
- Local advocacy group Street Food Safety NYC organized a town‑hall meeting on August 5 2025, urging the city to enact stricter vendor background checks.
- Several Manhattan borough presidents have called for a city‑wide ban on open‑flame cooking in high‑traffic pedestrian zones.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a food‑cart vendor be charged with attempted murder for a non‑lethal fire?
A: Yes. New York law defines “attempted murder” as the intentional act of trying to kill another person, regardless of whether death occurs. The use of an incendiary device qualifies as a lethal weapon.
Q2: What should a promoter do if a vendor threatens violence?
A: Document the threat (screenshots, texts), report immediately to NYPD, and request a protective order. Ask the venue’s security to deny the vendor access pending investigation.
Q3: Are there any exemptions for vendors using small propane canisters?
A: Under NYC Fire Code § 8‑502, propane appliances are allowed only if the vendor holds a Fire Safety Permit and the equipment meets UL‑listed specifications.
prepared by James Carter, senior content writer, Archyde.com – 23 December 2025, 00:05:53
