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Man tried to kill 7 people in last weekend's Penn Station slashing, prosecutors say
By
Charles Lane
Published Jun 12, 2026
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By
Charles Lane
Published Jun 12, 2026
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Authorities say the man arrested in last weekend’s Penn Station stabbing rampage tried to kill seven people — one more than previously reported.
The update comes as prosecutors indicted 51-year-old Hector Deleon on Friday on seven counts of attempted murder in the mass attack at the transit hub. A criminal complaint alleges that in just two minutes on Sunday, Deleon attacked seven people, striking most in the head, neck or torso with a knife.
Deleon’s attorneys requested a mental competency exam at the arraignment, according to the Manhattan district attorney's office.
A judge held him in jail without the option for bail. He is scheduled to return to court on June 29.
The arraignment had been delayed earlier in the week because Deleon was hospitalized, officials said.
"This was a terrifying attack in the middle of Penn Station during an incredibly busy time in New York City," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. "We will pursue accountability in this matter and continue to prioritize preventing these types of random and violent incidents from occurring in the first place."
Deleon also faces one count of first-degree assault, six counts of attempted first-degree assault and four counts of second-degree assault, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said his last arrest in New York was in 2008.
Deleon’s lawyer did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
The attack happened just before 7 p.m. on Sunday inside the NJ Transit terminal at Penn Station, according to the criminal complaint.
The FDNY initially reported that six people were injured in the attack, five of whom were taken to Bellevue Hospital and one to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The criminal complaint identifies a seventh victim, an unidentified woman it says Deleon stabbed at twice toward the torso, coming "dangerously close" to her abdomen.
One victim sustained a puncture wound to the left temple that caused a cerebral hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, according to the complaint. Two other victims were stabbed in the throat and required stitches, with one telling investigators his ability to swallow and eat had been impaired. Another victim underwent two surgeries for wounds to the side of his face.
Two of the seven victims remain unidentified, prosecutors said.
Deleon dropped the knife when confronted by Amtrak police officers and was taken into custody, the complaint states.
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penn station
public safety
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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