New York Penn Station stabbing sparks security concerns before NBA Finals

Six people were injured in a stabbing at New York’s Penn Station on Sunday evening, authorities said, just one day before Madison Square Garden hosts the NBA Finals.

The New York City Fire Department said emergency crews responded to reports of multiple stabbings at West 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, one of the entrances to Penn Station, shortly after 7:00 PM.

Officials said one person suffered serious injuries while four others sustained moderate or minor injuries.

Those victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital and their injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official quoted by CNN, adding that a sixth injured person was transported to another hospital.

Police confirmed that a suspect is in custody. A law enforcement official told CNN the suspect may be unhoused.

One witness told CNN affiliate WCBS that officers pepper-sprayed the suspect before arresting him. “They had to get other cops in order to grab him,” the witness said.

“He was just screaming, waving his head around,” another witness told WCBS.

The stabbing happened as security measures were already being increased around Madison Square Garden ahead of the NBA Finals and President Donald Trump’s expected attendance at Monday’s game.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said there was no disruption to Amtrak services and thanked emergency responders for their quick action.

“My heart is with everyone who was injured, their loved ones, and all those shaken by this unacceptable violence,” Mamdani said in a statement.