Homeless Man Goes on Bloody Penn Station Stabbing Spree

A terrifying night at New York City’s Penn Station turned into chaos Sunday when a homeless man with a violent criminal history allegedly went on a bloody stabbing rampage, leaving five innocent people wounded and terrified commuters running for safety.

The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as 51-year-old Hector Deleon, allegedly launched the unprovoked attack around 7 p.m. inside the New Jersey Transit boarding area.

Witnesses described panic, screams and confusion as commuters tried to escape the violence inside one of the busiest transit hubs in America.

Authorities said Deleon allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked five men, ranging in age from 30 to 60. The victims were believed to be random bystanders who had no connection to him.

Amtrak police quickly arrested Deleon after the attack. Sources told The Post he appeared to be under the influence of unknown drugs at the time.

Photos from the scene showed blood splattered across the granite floor, medical supplies scattered nearby and first responders treating victims on stretchers as police swarmed the station.

The horrifying attack came less than 24 hours before President Trump was expected to arrive at nearby Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the Knicks’ historic NBA Finals matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.

As of Monday afternoon, Deleon had not yet been formally processed because he remained in a local hospital for evaluation, according to law enforcement sources. It was not immediately clear what charges he would face.

But his criminal record reportedly goes back years.

Sources said Deleon has at least seven prior arrests dating back to 2008, including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug possession, assault, domestic assault and criminal mischief.

His most recent arrest came in New Jersey in May, when he was accused of stealing $4 in coins from a tip jar at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Long Branch. Court records also show he was allegedly found with a clear glass pipe with a burnt brown residue.

In February 2022, Deleon faced an attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in Essex County, New Jersey. He later pleaded guilty and received two years of probation, according to court records.

By June 2025, he was back in court again on simple assault and criminal mischief charges.

Six of his reported arrests happened in New Jersey. He was also arrested in Manhattan in 2008 on a drug possession charge, sources said.

Commuters who passed through Penn Station on Monday said the stabbing spree left them shaken.

Emma, a 30-year-old dental hygienist who was outside the station with her 7-year-old son, Leonardo, said the violence made her nervous about using public transportation.

“It freaks you out,” she said, adding that it makes parents wonder whether they should even ride the subway with their children.

Another commuter, 21-year-old Sanai Rashid, said she was disturbed but not entirely shocked.

“Penn Station is not known for being the most safe area, especially in the evening,” she said, pointing to the crowds from the Knicks game and Trump’s expected visit as making the area feel even more chaotic.

“It’s been a bit of a messy summer in general,” Rashid added. “I do think there probably should be more security in Penn Station. But that’s devastating.”

Marina Berger, a 21-year-old advertising intern from New Jersey, said the attack was especially frightening as a young woman who often travels alone.

“It’s definitely very upsetting to hear,” she said. “I definitely think there should be better security measures put in place.”

The bloody rampage has now sparked fresh concern about safety inside Penn Station, where thousands of commuters, tourists and families pass through every day.

For many New Yorkers, the attack was another chilling reminder that danger can erupt in seconds, even in the middle of a crowded public place.