‘Homeless maniac’ arrested after violent stabbing incident penn station Five innocent bystanders were stabbed Sunday night, The Washington Post reported, citing sources.
Hector Deleon, 51, carried out the unprovoked attack inside the building around 7 p.m. new jersey Sources reported that the bus boarding area and the station echoed with the horrifying screams of the victims as panicked commuters fled the scene in search of safety.
Who is Hector de Leon?
Sources told The Washington Post that DeLeon is believed to be homeless. He had previously new jersey May on charges of assault and drug-related offences, they added. Specific details about the arrest were not immediately clear.
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Penn Station stabbing attack: What we know about the victims
Paramedics found one person with serious injuries, two with moderate injuries and two with minor injuries, the city’s fire department reported. All five people were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Additionally, another person in unknown condition was taken to another hospital.
Authorities have not released information about the circumstances leading up to the stabbing or whether the victim was specifically targeted.
when the incident occurred New York Preparations are underway for one of the most important sporting events in decades. Monday night’s showdown between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs marks the first NBA Finals game to be played at Madison Square Garden since 1999 and is expected to draw large crowds.
Penn Station is recognized as one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United States, with Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit and multiple subway lines serving hundreds of thousands of passengers every day.
Eyewitnesses provide chilling details
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as panicked travelers – many already in the city for the 2026 World Cup – stormed the station.
“Everyone was screaming and running over,” said Eduardo Sanchez, 47, a station employee.
“A lady came running over, crying and screaming, ‘Can I stay here and hide?'” he added.
Another employee, Adil Kha, reported seeing a group of people rushing toward the exit.
“Everyone was running away in panic,” he said. “Everyone is scared.”
Zoran Mamdani responds
Following the tragedy, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani said: “My heart goes out to all those hurt, their families and everyone affected by this intolerable act of violence.
“I wish each victim a speedy and full recovery.”
