Two tourists were tragically caught in the unfolding incident on Christmas Day at Grand Central Terminal's dining concourse.
Teenage sisters, aged 14 and 16, fell victim to a brutal attack on vacation from South America, were viciously stabbed by a Bronx man, identified as 36-year-old Steven Hutcherson. The suspect faces charges of attempted murder and assault, both classified as hate crimes, following his use of a racially charged slur against the victims, as per The New York Times.
Released Attacker Targets Teen Girls in New York
A group of teenage girls, accompanied by their parents, found themselves caught in the center of an attack while exploring the city. The incident occurred during an early lunch, precisely at 11:25 am on Christmas day.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly began the assault following a disagreement with the staff at Tartinery, a restaurant located in the terminal, who refused to provide him with a seat. Hutcherson allegedly made a statement, saying, "I want all the white people dead," before proceeding to brandish a knife against the unsuspecting girls.
MTA police swiftly intervened and apprehended Hutcherson within a minute of the attack. One of the victims suffered a stab wound to the thigh, while the other was stabbed in the back, causing a nick to her lung. Both girls were promptly taken to Bellevue Hospital for medical attention.
The accused, Steven Hutcherson, has a troubling criminal history, including recent arrests for brandishing a gun in the Bronx. Hutcherson pleaded guilty to weapons possession charges in November and July, receiving a 15-day jail sentence for the latter. Yussif Abdullahi, who had a prior encounter with Hutcherson on November 7, expressed disbelief that the suspect was released from jail just two weeks before the Christmas Day attack.
Abdullahi, a Ghanaian immigrant, recounted his own alarming encounter with Hutcherson, where the suspect threatened him, questioned his work for "white people," and brandished what appeared to be a gun. Despite Abdullahi's report and the subsequent arrest, Hutcherson was released with a conditional discharge on December 12, according to Daily Mail.
Read Also: Secret Service Probes Actor John Schneider After Urging Public Hanging of President Joe Biden
Christmas Assault Fuels Mental Health Offender Concerns
Hutcherson's most recent arrest on Christmas Day has reignited concerns about the criminal justice system's handling of individuals with a history of violence and mental illness. The suspect, labeled as an "emotionally disturbed person," reportedly yelled racial epithets before assaulting the teenage tourists.
The teenage victims, hailing from Paraguay, were hospitalized for minor injuries. The Paraguay Consulate General in the US confirmed the girls' nationality and attributed Hutcherson's actions to "psychiatric problems." As the legal proceedings unfold, questions linger about the adequacy of handling individuals with a history of violence and mental health issues within the criminal justice system.
The accused, Steven Hutcherson, is set to face felony charges, including attempted murder and assault, in Manhattan Criminal Court, bringing attention to the need for comprehensive evaluation and intervention for those deemed emotionally disturbed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing public safety with the rights and treatment of individuals with mental health concerns, New York Post reported.
