New York City, NY – Two violent incidents rocked Times Square, leaving a teenager and a 28-year-old man injured in separate attacks. The first assault occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday when a 17-year-old, believed to be a migrant from Nicaragua, was chased by a large group and stabbed near a migrant shelter on 42nd Street. The teen suffered a stab wound to his back, with police recovering a knife and a piece of a broom handle at the scene. Seven individuals, thought to be migrants, were arrested, while authorities continue to search for 16 others involved in the attack.
Eyewitnesses described a scene where a large group of men were loitering near the subway, with one witness explaining an abrupt escalation in violence. The incident unfolded near the Candler Building, also used as a migrant shelter, where two officers were previously attacked by migrants just last month.
Just two hours later, a 28-year-old man, believed to be a local resident, was assaulted outside the Hard Rock Cafe by being punched and kicked in the head and face. Three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with this attack, while two others remain at large. Fortunately, both victims were reported to be in stable condition following the assaults, with authorities stating that the incidents do not appear to be linked.
Notably, the attack on the 17-year-old occurred in close proximity to where two NYPD officers were assaulted by a group of eight migrants the previous month. The incidents have raised concerns over safety in the area, prompting heightened vigilance among residents and law enforcement alike. Mayor Eric Adams’ recent decision to cut funding to migrants and cancel city budget cuts has further added to the conversation surrounding the incidents.