Five people were injured Sunday evening when a homeless man allegedly went on a stabbing rampage inside Penn Station's New Jersey Transit boarding area, sending panicked commuters fleeing for their lives as blood-curdling screams filled the transit hub.
Background
Hector Deleon, 51, was arrested in connection with the unprovoked knife attack that unfolded around 7 p.m. inside one of the nation's busiest commuter rail stations, sources told the New York Post. The victims—all men ranging in age from 30 to 60—were standing near the New Jersey Transit platforms when Deleon allegedly brandished a knife and attacked them without warning, authorities said.
The violent episode sent shockwaves through the station as crowds of rush-hour commuters scrambled to escape the area. First responders rushed to the scene where they found multiple victims with stab wounds. Emergency medical teams treated the injured before transporting them to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to preliminary reports.
The attack occurred less than 24 hours before President Trump was expected to arrive at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Knicks' NBA Finals appearance against the San Antonio Spurs—an event that has significantly increased security concerns and commuter traffic throughout Midtown Manhattan.
The Investigation
New York Police Department officers responded to Penn Station following reports of an active stabbing situation. Authorities allege Deleon targeted innocent bystanders inside the transit facility before being taken into custody at the scene. Police recovered a knife believed to have been used in the attacks, sources said.
Investigators are working to determine what may have motivated the attack and whether Deleon has any prior criminal history. Transit police and NYPD homicide detectives are jointly handling the investigation as they review surveillance footage from the station's extensive camera system.
Key Takeaways
- Hector Deleon, 51, was arrested in connection with a stabbing rampage at Penn Station on Sunday evening
- Five male victims, ages 30 to 60, sustained knife wounds in what authorities describe as an unprovoked attack
- All five victims are expected to recover from their injuries
- The attack occurred around 7 p.m. during the evening rush hour inside the New Jersey Transit boarding area
- Police recovered a knife at the scene and are reviewing surveillance footage from the station
What's Next
Deleon is expected to face charges in connection with the stabbings, though formal counts had not been finalized as of late Sunday evening. Investigators continue to interview witnesses and review evidence as they build their case. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges may be filed or if bail will be requested.
The NYPD and Transit Police are increasing patrols throughout Penn Station in response to the incident, particularly given the heightened security environment surrounding this week's high-profile events in Manhattan.