A man accused of attacking two people with a knife at Manhattan’s Grand Central subway station is now facing serious charges, including assault and menacing. The incident happened late Tuesday night around 10:15 p.m., leaving a 42-year-old man with a wrist injury and a 26-year-old woman with a cut on her neck. Both victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital and are thankfully in stable condition, according to police.
The man behind the attack was arrested and charged with assault, reckless endangerment, menacing, harassment, disorderly conduct, and a weapons violation. Authorities haven’t yet shared who will represent him in court.
The attack has added to growing concerns about subway safety in New York City. Just days earlier, another shocking crime on the subway made headlines—a man was charged with setting a woman on fire inside a subway car. Tragically, she didn’t survive her injuries.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking to reporters in Harlem, mentioned that the man arrested in the Grand Central incident had a history of mental illness.
According to media reports, the 26-year-old woman who was injured said she had just stepped off the No. 4 train and was on her way to work when the man attacked her. She described being punched to the ground while the attacker repeatedly yelled, “What’s your problem?” before slashing her neck with a small knife.
The timing of this attack couldn’t be more chilling, as it happened just hours after another suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, appeared in Brooklyn criminal court. Zapeta, a 33-year-old Guatemalan citizen, is accused of burning a woman to death on a subway train. Immigration officials revealed that Zapeta had entered the U.S. illegally.
Zapeta, who is being held at the Rikers Island jail, didn’t speak during his court appearance and hasn’t entered a plea yet. He faces two murder charges and is scheduled to return to court on Friday. So far, his lawyer has not asked for bail.
With back-to-back violent incidents, the city’s subway system continues to be a source of concern for residents and commuters, raising urgent questions about safety and mental health resources.
