Five Stabbed in Penn Station Rampage as Panicked Commuters Flee NYC Transit Hub

A homeless suspect has been arrested after allegedly carrying out a bloody stabbing rampage inside New York City’s Penn Station that left five innocent bystanders wounded and sent terrified commuters running for their lives.

Sources identified the suspect as Hector Deleon, 51, who allegedly unleashed the random knife attacks shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday inside the New Jersey Transit boarding area of the packed Midtown transit hub.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as victims screamed in agony and panicked crowds flooded exits trying to escape the attacker.

Authorities believe Deleon is homeless, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The violence erupted less than 24 hours before President Donald Trump is expected to arrive at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Knicks’ NBA Finals matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, an event expected to draw massive crowds and heightened security throughout Midtown Manhattan.

Sources told The Post all five victims were men ranging in age from their 30s to 60s and appeared to be innocent bystanders randomly targeted after the suspect allegedly brandished a knife.

Investigators say the attack unfolded rapidly, leaving blood splattered across parts of the busy boarding area as first responders rushed to assist victims.

Commuters returning to Penn Station on Monday said the incident only intensified growing concerns about safety in one of the busiest transit centers in the country.

“Wow, I mean, I guess I’m not surprised, though,” said 21-year-old commuter Sanai Rashid. “Penn Station is not known for being the most safe area, especially in the evening.”

Rashid added that the combination of increased summer crowds, the Knicks’ playoff run and Trump’s expected appearance at Madison Square Garden had already made the area feel more chaotic in recent days.

“It’s been a bit of a messy summer in general,” she said. “I do think there probably should be more security in Penn Station, but that’s devastating.”

Another commuter, 21-year-old advertising intern Marina Berger of New Jersey, said the attack was especially alarming for young women traveling alone into the city.

“It’s definitely very upsetting to hear,” Berger said. “I definitely think there should be better security measures put in place.”

Authorities have not yet announced formal charges against Deleon as the investigation continues.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on X that he’s been briefed on the “horrific” attack.

“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,” Mamdani wrote.

“My heart is with everyone who was injured, their loved ones, and all those shaken by this unacceptable violence. I’m wishing each of the victims a full and speedy recovery.”

HORRIFIC: A mass stabbing at New York City’s Penn Station last night—which sits directly beneath Madison Square Garden, where President Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight—left six people wounded, prompting even MORE heightened security measures for the game… pic.twitter.com/wJ0NK1zqOv

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) June 8, 2026

More over at The New York Post:

Homeless maniac arrested in bloody Penn Station rampage https://t.co/Gn4vWSWThX pic.twitter.com/OVIOgb7Cf0

— New York Post (@nypost) June 8, 2026