New York City – Another night of violence unfolded in Times Square as the NYPD investigates two separate attacks that occurred on Thursday evening. The incidents, including a stabbing that resulted in a 17-year-old being hospitalized, have left authorities searching for 18 individuals allegedly involved in the attacks.
According to police reports, the two attacks were not believed to be connected despite occurring after some form of altercation. The 17-year-old victim was stabbed near W. 42nd St. around 5:30 p.m., with reports suggesting that both the victim and some of the suspects involved are believed to be migrants. Police have apprehended seven individuals and are actively seeking 16 others in connection to the stabbing incident.
In a separate attack that took place nearly two hours later, a 28-year-old man was viciously assaulted by a group of men, sustaining multiple blows to the head and face. Three suspects have been taken into custody, while the search continues for two additional individuals linked to the assault.
Authorities are currently interrogating those in custody and anticipate pressing charges by Friday. Interestingly, the stabbing incident transpired very close to where two NYPD officers were previously attacked near a migrant shelter last month, indicating a concerning pattern of violence in the area.
The prior attack on the NYPD officers involved as many as 14 perpetrators on January 27, with initial arrests leading to public outcry when all suspects were released without bail. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg faced significant backlash over the delayed indictments and the release of individuals wanted in connection to the attack.
Following thorough investigations, Bragg assured the public of identifying all individuals involved in the attack on the police officers. The incidents underscore growing concerns regarding public safety and law enforcement in Times Square, prompting increased scrutiny on law enforcement and judicial processes in handling such cases.