The shocking incident that unfolded on a New York City subway on Tuesday has left the city reeling. The victim, identified as 64-year-old Nicola Tanzi, became the target of a senseless attack by 25-year-old David Mazariegos, who has a history of at least 33 prior arrests.
Tanzi, known for his warm demeanor as a security guard and a cherished member of his local Italian church community, was brutally assaulted by Mazariegos simply for what appears to be an unfathomable reason: a look exchanged while Tanzi held the subway doors open for him.
Witnesses report a chilling scene, with Mazariegos unleashing a relentless barrage of punches and kicks on Tanzi, assaulting him for over ten minutes. According to The New York Post, the assault escalated to such viciousness that Mazariegos stomped on Tanzi’s head repeatedly.
After the brutal attack, Mazariegos stole Tanzi’s wallet and fled the scene, only to be apprehended later in Times Square, where he was found with a samurai sword stowed away in his backpack, not in hand but nevertheless a stark reminder of his violent capabilities.
WANTED FOR MURDER
This individual is wanted for a murder that occurred today at the Jay Street subway station in Brooklyn. He was last seen boarding a Bronx-bound 2 train.If you see him, immediately call 911.
If you have any info, contact @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/ENpDmkmYJS— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 7, 2025
Tanzi was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Brooklyn Methodist, where his life was tragically extinguished.
The New York Post reported:
A beloved fixture of Brooklyn’s tight-knit Italian community, Nicola Tanzi was remembered not only as a security guard but as a person with a heart of gold whose random and senseless death has evoked sorrow and disbelief among friends and fellow parishioners. His kindness would ripple through those he encountered.
“Nicola was truly one of the most congenial individuals you could ever meet,” remarked Anthony Mammoliti, a deacon at St. Athanasius-St. Dominic’s Parish in Bensonhurst. “If you were his friend, it meant something very special; he’d go to great lengths for you.”
Originally hailing from Italy, Tanzi had made New York City his home for about twenty years, where he continued to serve his community fervently.
