On Monday morning, a series of stabbings occurred in Manhattan, resulting in two fatalities and leaving a third individual in critical condition. The suspect, who is 51 years old, was apprehended by law enforcement after being discovered with blood-stained clothing and two kitchen knives in his possession. The identities of the suspect and the victims have not yet been disclosed.
During a press conference, Mayor Eric Adams expressed his shock regarding the incidents, referring to them as “unprovoked attacks.” He emphasized the need for clarity on how such violent acts could take place, labeling the situation as a glaring illustration of inadequacies within the criminal justice system and other areas.
Reports indicate that the suspect is believed to be homeless and had recently received a sentence related to a prior criminal case, as noted by Mayor Adams, although he did not provide specific details regarding the earlier offense.
According to police, the assailant’s spree lasted about two and a half hours. The first attack occurred just before 8:30 a.m. on West 19th Street, where a construction worker stood near his job site by the Hudson River and was fatally stabbed.
Approximately two hours later, on the opposite side of the island, a man fishing near East 30th Street in the East River was also attacked and died from his injuries.
Following these incidents, the suspect appeared to move northward along the riverfront. At around 10:55 a.m., a woman was stabbed multiple times in the vicinity of the United Nations headquarters on East 42nd Street, and she is now reported to be in critical condition in the hospital.
A passing taxi driver witnessed the third assault and promptly alerted a nearby police officer, leading to the apprehension of the suspect.