Times Square, Manhattan experienced two violent attacks within hours of each other, leaving a teenager and a 28-year-old man injured. The first incident occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday when a 17-year-old was chased by a group of individuals and stabbed near a migrant shelter on 42nd Street near 8th Avenue. The teen sustained a stab wound to his back, and the authorities found a knife and what appeared to be a part of a broom handle at the scene. Seven individuals believed to be migrants were taken into custody, while the police are still searching for 16 others involved in the incident.
According to a witness, a woman who preferred to remain anonymous, she encountered a large group of men near the subway and was attacked after trying to take a picture of them. The attack took place outside the Candler Building, which is serving as a migrant shelter – the same location where two officers were previously assaulted by a group of migrants. Two hours later, a 28-year-old man was punched and kicked in the head and face outside the Hard Rock Cafe at 43rd and Broadway. Three suspects have been apprehended, and two others are still being sought by law enforcement.
Despite the proximity of the two attacks and the fact that they both occurred in Times Square, the police do not believe they are connected. Both the 17-year-old and the 28-year-old victims are currently in stable condition. Interestingly, the attack involving the teenager unfolded just blocks away from where the two NYPD officers were attacked by eight migrants the previous month. It is a concerning pattern of violence in the area that law enforcement is actively addressing.
The incidents highlight the ongoing safety concerns in Times Square and raise questions about the security measures in place in the area. The authorities have been vigilant in their efforts to address the violence and apprehend those responsible. These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for continued attention to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future. As investigations into both attacks continue, the community remains on alert and concerned about the well-being of its residents and visitors in Times Square.