Multiple innocent bystanders were wounded Sunday evening after a violent knife attack erupted inside New York City’s Penn Station, sending terrified commuters scrambling for safety in one of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs.
Authorities say the attack unfolded around 7 p.m. inside the New Jersey Transit concourse beneath Madison Square Garden. Law enforcement officials quickly took a suspect into custody following the rampage.
According to reporting from the New York Post, the suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Hector Deleon, who sources described as homeless and previously arrested in New Jersey on assault and narcotics charges. Officials have not yet publicly announced formal charges related to Sunday’s attack.
The Post reported that Deleon allegedly launched an unprovoked stabbing spree against strangers waiting for trains, targeting multiple men ranging in age from their 30s to 60s. Witnesses described scenes of panic as victims screamed and crowds rushed to escape the violence.
Initial reports indicated five victims were wounded. However, later reports revealed that six people were injured during the incident. Emergency responders transported five victims to Bellevue Hospital, where one was listed in serious condition, two suffered moderate injuries, and two sustained minor wounds. A sixth victim was taken to another hospital. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding that person’s condition.
Witness Brandon Norwood told the New York Post he watched the suspect stab a person near Track 1 in the boarding area before chaos erupted.
“I saw him stab one person, and once the victim started screaming, everyone ran,” Norwood said. “Someone fell, and I had to help them up so they weren’t next or trampled.”
Another Penn Station worker described arriving at the scene to find wounded victims and blood covering parts of the station floor.
The attack occurred less than 24 hours before President Donald Trump is expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks are hosting the San Antonio Spurs. The timing has intensified concerns about public safety and security around one of the city’s most heavily trafficked transportation centers.
Officials have not indicated any connection between the stabbing spree and Trump’s planned appearance. Nevertheless, authorities are expected to deploy significant additional security around Madison Square Garden and Penn Station ahead of Monday night’s game.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack and praised first responders for their swift actions.
“Based on the information available right now, six people were stabbed and the alleged perpetrator is in custody following a swift response from the Amtrak Police Department,” Mamdani said in a statement.
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