A man launched a stabbing spree across Manhattan on Monday morning, resulting in two fatalities and critically injuring a third person without uttering a word, officials reported.
The 51-year-old suspect, who had blood on his clothing and was carrying two kitchen knives, was taken into police custody. Authorities have yet to release the names of the suspects or the victims.
Mayor Eric Adams at a press briefing, “Three New Yorkers. Unprovoked attacks that left us searching for answers on how something like this could happen.”
Investigators are working to determine what motivated the attack, which occurred within a span of 2 1/2 hours.
Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives at the New York Police Department, explained, “No words exchanged. No property taken. Just attacked, viciously.
“He just walked up to them and began to attack them with the knives.”
The initial stabbing, on West 19th Street, claimed the life of a 36-year-old construction worker who was standing near his work site by the Hudson River shortly before 8:30 a.m. Approximately two hours later, on the other side of Manhattan, a 68-year-old man was assaulted while fishing in the East River near East 30th Street. Both men succumbed to their injuries, Kenny confirmed.
The suspect then apparently headed north along the riverfront. Around 10:55 am, a 36-year-old woman was repeatedly stabbed near the United Nations headquarters on East 42nd Street, Kenny added. She is currently hospitalised in critical condition. A passing taxi driver witnessed the third attack and alerted nearby police officers at First Avenue and East 46th Street. An officer swiftly apprehended the suspect.
This violence occurred in a major city where crime has become a significant issue in political discussions and daily life, especially since the pandemic lockdowns led to deserted streets and increased disorder. While homicides in New York City have decreased by 14% over the past two years, serious assaults have risen by approximately 12%, according to police data.
Recent public stabbings, such as a fatal incident at the Coney Island subway station just weeks ago, have drawn considerable attention. Mayor Adams described Monday’s violence as “a clear, clear example” of failures within the criminal justice system and other areas.
The suspect in Monday’s attacks, who is reportedly homeless, had been sentenced in a criminal case a few months ago and was arrested in connection with a grand larceny case last month, officials disclosed.
Frances Ibiefo
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