New York City – Times Square, a bustling area known for its bright lights and tourist attractions, was the scene of chaos and violence on Thursday night. The NYPD is currently seeking 18 individuals in connection to two separate attacks that occurred in the iconic location. Among the incidents was a stabbing that left a 17-year-old hospitalized.
According to police reports, both attacks stemmed from different altercations, with investigators believing them to be unrelated. In the first incident, the 17-year-old victim was stabbed in the back near W. 42nd St. Police have taken seven individuals into custody and are actively searching for 16 others. The teenager was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
In a separate attack that occurred almost two hours later, a 28-year-old man was subjected to repeated kicks to the head and face by a group of men. Police have detained three suspects and are currently seeking two additional individuals in connection to the assault. Authorities are in the process of questioning those in custody and anticipate filing charges on Friday.
Interestingly, the stabbing incident occurred in close proximity to where two NYPD officers were previously assaulted near a migrant shelter. The officers were attacked by a group of up to 14 individuals on January 27, with initial arrests made shortly after. However, public outrage ensued when all suspects were released without bail, leading to criticism of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s handling of the case.
As the investigation unfolds, Bragg expressed confidence in the progress made, stating, “Based on our thorough investigation, I stand here today confident that we have identified the roles of every person that broke the law and participated in this heinous attack.” The incidents in Times Square serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety amidst escalating violence.