Six people were wounded in a stabbing at New York’s Penn Station on Sunday (7 June), just days before the city prepares to host two major sporting events.

A suspect was detained and the victims, including one with serious injuries, were transported to hospital, according to the New York Fire Department.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on X that “based on the information available right now, six people were stabbed and the alleged perpetrator is in custody.”

City comptroller Mark Levine said on X that the suspect is “said to be an emotionally disturbed homeless person.”

All victims are expected to survive.

A photographer at the scene saw gauze, medical gloves and blood on the floor near tracks 5 and 6, where police cordoned off the area.

State governor Kathy Hochul described the attack as “an act of horrific violence.”

“New Yorkers deserve to feel safe wherever they go, and we will never stop working to make that a reality,” she said in a statement.

Security concerns ahead of major events

The incident occurred at one of the nation’s busiest rail and subway hubs as the city prepares for basketball’s NBA Finals and football’s World Cup tournament.

Madison Square Garden, located directly above Penn Station in downtown Manhattan, will host games three and four of the NBA Finals on Monday and Wednesday between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.

MetLife stadium in neighbouring New Jersey will host its first World Cup match on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend Monday’s NBA game at Madison Square Garden, after accepting an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan.

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Security has been enhanced in the city ahead of the two events.

New York’s official emergency notification system advised people to avoid the area and “expect traffic delays, road closures, mass transit disruptions and emergency personnel near Penn Station.”

Prior to the stabbing, New York officials had cancelled an outdoor watch party set for Monday outside the Garden.

Thousands of spectators gathered outside the venue on Friday for a game two watch party. A police officer was assaulted and 26 people were arrested as some fans turned rowdy.

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