Police have announced they arrested the suspect in the random attacks that took place in Manhattan on the morning of November 18, 2024. Their only suspect is a 51-year-old homeless man who was residing in a nearby men’s shelter. Authorities have said they are not seeking any other suspects. All three victims have been pronounced dead. Authorities and fellow New Yorkers are devastated by this news but are grateful to have apprehended the suspect as quickly as they did.
NYC Stabbing Victims
The first victim, a 36-year-old male construction worker, was attacked at a construction site outside the Chelsea Club just before 8:30 a.m. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he later died. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, “The assault appears to be unprovoked at this time.” Witnesses at the scene described the stabber as a 60-year-old man with a beard. They told the police he was wielding what appeared to be a kitchen knife.
It was about two hours after the first attack that the second one occurred across town near the Water Club. Kenny reported that the second victim was an Asian male, about 68 years old. He was minding his own business, fishing, when he was stabbed multiple times. He was also taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Not even 30 minutes later, the third and final victim was attacked. A 36-year-old Black woman was stabbed just before 11 a.m. close by the United Nations and taken to the hospital shortly after. A cab driver witnessed her attack and went to grab patrolling officers a few blocks over. The woman is currently was in critical condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital but has since passed away from her wounds. Mayor Eric Adams said the cab driver’s quick action most likely prevented New Yorkers from further attacks.
The Suspect
After they were alerted about the third attack, police took the suspect into custody. They recovered two blood-covered kitchen knives and noticed the man’s clothes were soaked in blood. While detectives are attempting to uncover a motive behind the attacks, there was none. The suspect allegedly chose them at random and began stabbing them. Adams acknowledged the unwarranted assaults and announced the suspect is believed to have severe mental health issues. Not only that, but he also has eight prior arrests, according to CBS News New York’s sources, that includes seven felonies and one misdemeanor.
Crime Rate in New York
It is no secret that New York has a reputation for criminal activity. However, surprisingly, it is not the highest. It only ranks 20 overall out of all 50 states, meaning more than half of the country is more crime-ridden than New York. That does not mean the numbers are any better. So far, in 2024, there have been 334 murders, 26,163 assaults, and 14,869 robberies. Unfortunately, these numbers have increased since they were released on November 17.
Final Thoughts
Ramon Rivera has been identified as the person of interest in the stabbings. These attacks might have been done randomly, but the victims are not random individuals. They are human beings with partners, kids, grandkids, and friends. Due to the senseless acts of a disturbed individual, the victim’s loved ones will now have to mourn.
Mayor Adams made the following statement about the murders. “Three innocent New Yorkers who [were] going about their lives were the victims of a terrible, terrible assault. They all have lost their lives.” He continued, “It is a clear, clear example of a criminal justice system and a mental health system that continues to fail New Yorkers, and it is troubling that we are standing here today, in a day that brings a great level of difficulty to the city. Three New Yorkers, unprovoked attacks that left us searching for answers on how something like this could happen. We want New Yorkers to know that we are not looking for any additional suspects at this time.”
