On Sunday, a chaotic scene unfolded at New York City’s Penn Station when at least five individuals were attacked by a person described as “emotionally disturbed.” This unsettling incident occurred just a day before President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the NBA finals’ third game at Madison Square Garden, located directly above the transit hub.
The attacker, whose identity has not been disclosed, began the assault near the Amtrak terminals shortly after 7 p.m., as reported by ABC 7. The bustling station quickly became a scene of urgency and panic.
Among the injured, one victim sustained serious injuries, two others were moderately injured, while the remaining two suffered minor injuries. All victims were promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The perpetrator was subdued and arrested by Amtrak police officers after being tackled to the ground, as detailed in a report by AMNY. The swift response from law enforcement helped prevent further harm.
A photo circulating on social media captured officers restraining the suspect on the floor near tracks five and six, illustrating the immediate response to the threat.
“This guy just stabbed somebody in Penn Station,” freelance film critic Brandon Norwood posted on the social media platform X, reflecting the shock and concern shared by many witnesses.
‘People were flooding out of the station.’
At least five people were stabbed by an ‘emotionally disturbed’ person at New York City ’s Penn Station on Sunday
First responders raced to the scene after an unidentified suspect started stabbing just after 7pm
Blood was spotted on the ground following the stabbing rampage
Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the Manhattan Borough President, said his ‘thoughts are with those injured in tonight’s stabbing at Penn Station’ as he expressed his gratitude to the first responders ‘who quickly provided medical care and secured the scene.
‘As the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere, Penn Station serves hundreds of thousands of commuters, travelers, and visitors every day,’ he noted in a post on X.
‘New Yorkers deserve a transit hub that is safe, well-managed, and worthy of its importance to our city and region.’
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin also posted that she is ‘deeply disturbed by the stabbing at Penn Station that left multiple people injured.
‘My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and I’m grateful to the first responders and law enforcement officers who quickly secured the scene and took the suspect into custody.
‘We are in touch with the NYPD and will continue to monitor the situation closely as we await additional information,’ she added.
New York City Council member Carl Wilson also wrote that he is in contact with Governor Kathy Hochul’s office about the stabbing.
‘While information remains preliminary, I am relieved that a suspect is in custody and grateful to the first responders who acted swiftly,’ he wrote.
Wilson said he ‘will continue to monitor the situation closely as more information becomes available and work with our partners to ensure the safety of everyone who travels through Penn Station each day.’
One person was said to have suffered serious injuries, while two others suffered moderate injuries and the other two suffered minor injuries
Penn Station will also see thousands of passengers pass through its halls next week as they try to get to the World Cup
The stabbing comes just 24 hours before the New York Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs for the third game of the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden, located directly overhead from the transit hub.
President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani are both set to attend the game.
As a precaution, hundreds of US Secret Service officers and agents will be deployed at the Garden on Monday, joined by thousands of NYPD personnel in what law enforcement sources are calling a ‘heightened security posture’ unlike anything seen at an NBA game.
A hard closure is expected around the entirety of Madison Square Garden – one of the busiest corners of Midtown Manhattan – with entire city blocks effectively placed under lockdown for the duration of the event.
No vehicle access and no pedestrian travel will be permitted through the secured perimeter, a sweeping restriction that will affect not just fans but anyone trying to get around that part of Manhattan on a Monday evening.
Only ticketed fans will be allowed anywhere near the building, and even they will face screening more akin to airport security than a typical night at the Garden.
No bags will be permitted inside – not purses, not backpacks, not totes of any size.
Hundreds of US Secret Service officers and agents will be deployed to Madison Square Garden on Monday
Fans have been warned in no uncertain terms to leave everything at home or face being turned away at the checkpoint.
Penn Station will also see thousands of passengers pass through its halls next week as they try to get to the World Cup.
It is unclear whether Sunday’s stabbing spree will affect the security measures for these events.
But in the meantime, police are asking the public to avoid the area and expect traffic delays as the investigation continues.
Amtrak police told the Daily Mail an investigation is underway.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
