Six people were stabbed at Penn Station, New York’s main intercity rail hub and its busiest station. The attack occurred on Sunday after 7.00 p.m. local time (1.00 a.m. CEST) between 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue, the New York Fire Department told local media. The incident comes as the city is on a high security alert ahead of a planned presidential visit on Monday by U.S. President Donald Trump, Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and the start of the FIFA World Cup.
Five of the six victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital. One suffered serious injuries, two sustained moderate injuries, and the remaining two were lightly injured. The sixth victim was admitted to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the city’s emergency services said.
The suspect was arrested by police at the scene, but authorities have not released his identity or confirmed a possible motive. City comptroller Mark Levin suggested the assailant may have been experiencing a mental health crisis, and said the incident raises questions about the city’s psychiatric health network. The investigation, however, remains open.
The incident came hours after the official watch party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, scheduled for Monday, was canceled. The game will pit the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. Officials said the cancellation was due to increased security measures related to the expected attendance of Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “My heart is with everyone who was injured, their loved ones, and all those shaken by this unacceptable violence,” the mayor wrote on social media. “I’m wishing each of the victims a full and speedy recovery,” he added.
I’ve been briefed on the horrific stabbing at Penn Station. Based on the information available right now, six people were stabbed and the alleged perpetrator is in custody following a swift response from the Amtrak Police Department.
My heart is with everyone who was injured,…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 8, 2026
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch had recently warned about the huge workload facing the force, not only because of the decisive phase of the NBA Finals but also because of the imminent arrival of the FIFA World Cup.
Matches in the tournament, which kick off on June 13 in neighboring New Jersey, will make New York the base of operations for thousands of international fans.
Security at the World Cup in the United States regained international prominence this weekend after reports that nine people were wounded in a shooting near England’s national team base in Kansas City on Saturday.
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