Suspect in Times Square arson has fled to Egypt

Police have identified a suspect in the case of a club promoter set on fire in Times Square. The incident occurred early Sunday morning outside the Nebula nightclub during an argument. The victim, Mark Whyte, 45, is currently in critical but stable condition at a hospital. He suffered severe burns after being doused with gasoline and ignited. Detectives traced the suspect to a food cart near the nightclub. They believe he either knew the vendor or worked at the cart. Once the suspect was identified, he had already left for Egypt. Authorities have not released his name. Friends of Whyte describe him as a well-liked party promoter known for organizing high-profile events. One friend expressed horror at the situation, emphasizing that no one deserves such a brutal attack. Video footage showed Whyte in shock after the incident, with visible burns on his body. The NYPD is investigating the attack, focusing on the possibility that Whyte and the suspect knew each other prior to the incident. The motive behind the argument that led to the violent act remains unclear. Nebula, where the attack happened, is a large nightclub that opened in 2021.