New York City, New York saw two violent incidents in Times Square, leaving a teenager and a 28-year-old man injured. The first attack occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday when a 17-year-old was chased by a group of people and stabbed near a migrant shelter on 42nd Street near 8th Avenue. The teen sustained stab wounds to the back, and authorities recovered a knife and what seemed to be a part of a broom handle at the scene. Seven individuals, believed to be migrants, were taken into custody, while law enforcement is in search of 16 others in connection with the incident.
One witness, who opted to remain anonymous, recounted seeing a group of men near the subway and snapping a photo before being attacked herself. The assault took place outside the Candler Building, currently serving as a migrant shelter, the same location where two NYPD officers were assaulted by a group of migrants just last month. Just two hours after this incident, a 28-year-old man was punched and kicked in the head and face outside the Hard Rock Cafe at 43rd and Broadway. Three individuals have been apprehended, and two others are still being sought in relation to this attack.
Both the 17-year-old and 28-year-old victims are in stable condition, and authorities do not believe the attacks are linked. It is notable that the attack involving the teenager took place near the area where the two NYPD officers were assaulted by a group of eight migrants the previous month. These back-to-back violent incidents raise concerns about safety in Times Square, a bustling tourist hub in the heart of New York City. The police are actively investigating both cases to bring all those involved in the attacks to justice and ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.