Five people were stabbed inside Penn Station on Sunday evening in what witnesses described as a random attack by a deranged man that sent commuters running for their lives through the busy Midtown commuter hub.
Background
The knifing rampage began shortly after 7 p.m. at the transit center, according to the FDNY — just over 24 hours before President Trump was scheduled to be nearby at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Knicks-Spurs playoff series.
Victims screamed in agony as crowds of terrified commuters ran for safety, trying not to get trampled during the chaotic scene, witnesses told The Post. One commuter waiting for a 7:04 p.m. train home said he saw the suspect stab someone by Track 1 of the NJ Transit boarding area.
"I saw him stab one person, and once [the victim] started screaming, everyone ran. Someone fell, and I had to help them up so they weren't next or trampled," witness Brandon Norwood said. "It all happened so fast. It's gonna stay with me."
A Penn Station worker who wished to remain anonymous arrived to find two wounded men and floors covered in blood after receiving calls to shut down the area.
"It was real bloody, there was a lot of blood on the floor," he said. The worker added that he saw one victim with bandages on his head who "looked like he was hurt pretty bad," and another with what appeared to be a scratch to his neck.
The Investigation
Five victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, including one person with serious injuries, two people with moderate injuries, and two others with minor injuries, fire officials said. Sources confirmed the suspect was also wounded during the rampage — accounting for six total injured individuals.
An unidentified suspect is in custody following the attack. Authorities believe the individual is emotionally disturbed and homeless, according to sources. An Amtrak spokesperson confirmed that Amtrak police responded to the stabbing and apprehended the suspect.
Police tackled the alleged attacker after an officer called for backup. A picture posted to social media showed a group of cops pinning an individual to the floor of the station.
"Tonight, five people were senselessly attacked at Penn Station in an act of horrific violence," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "Thank you to the law enforcement officers and first responders whose swift actions prevented further harm."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media that he had been briefed on the attack.
"I've been briefed on the horrific stabbing at Penn Station," Mamdani wrote. "My heart is with everyone who was injured, their loved ones, and all those shaken by this unacceptable violence."
Key Takeaways
- Five victims were stabbed in a random attack shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday inside Penn Station
- All five victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious
- The suspect was apprehended by Amtrak Police Department officers and is believed to be emotionally disturbed and homeless
- A sixth person — the alleged attacker — was also wounded during the incident
- Witnesses described commuters running in panic as the knifeman attacked strangers waiting for trains
What's Next
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. No formal charges had been announced as of Sunday night, though authorities said the suspect is in custody. The attack occurred just over 24 hours before President Trump was scheduled to appear at Madison Square Garden, located directly above Penn Station.