### Stabbings in New York Leave Two Dead, One Critically Injured

In a series of violent incidents on Wednesday, two men were killed and a woman was critically injured in New York City. The attacks, described as unprovoked by police, unfolded in the morning hours at different locations.

The first attack occurred at 8:22 a.m. near 444 W. 19th St., where a 36-year-old man was assaulted while working at a construction site. Approximately two hours later, at 10:27 a.m., a second man, aged 68, was attacked near 500 E. 30th St. while fishing. Both victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Not long after, at 10:55 a.m., a woman was stabbed near East 42nd Street and First Avenue, close to the United Nations building. She remains in critical condition. Police apprehended a "person of interest" shortly after the third attack, near 46th Street and First Avenue. They are not currently seeking any other suspects in connection with these crimes.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the attacks appeared to be random, with the assailant simply approaching the victims and attacking them with knives. Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern about how the suspect was able to roam the streets, noting that he was sentenced only a few months ago and has significant mental health issues.

An officer managed to catch up with the alleged attacker thanks to a taxi driver who witnessed the woman being stabbed and initially thought it was a robbery. The driver promptly alerted the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

The identities of the victims have not been released, as authorities are in the process of notifying their families. The swift intervention by a concerned citizen and the efficient response by NYPD Officer Robert Garvey were commended by Mayor Adams, who emphasized the importance of public vigilance in such situations.

These stabbings occur amidst ongoing discussions about violent crime in New York City and across the United States. Despite the recent surge in violence, statistics indicate a decline in such crimes. By November 10th of this year, New York City had reported 326 murders, a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2023, and significantly fewer than in past decades.