NEW YORK, NY – Two teenage girls, aged 14 and 16, suffered stab wounds in an unprovoked attack while dining with their parents at Tartinery in the Grand Central Dining Concourse on Monday morning. The suspect, identified as Steven Hutcherson, 36, was apprehended by transit police at the scene.
The incident occurred around 11:25 a.m., when Hutcherson allegedly entered the restaurant and requested a table without intending to order food. After being denied service, he reportedly became agitated and focused on the victims’ family, who were also present.
Witnesses described Hutcherson’s behavior as erratic, including a statement expressing hostility towards white people. He then attacked the two girls, resulting in a stab wound to the back of the 16-year-old, affecting her lungs, and a thigh injury to the 14-year-old. Both injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
“I want all the white people dead,” Hutcherson shouted.
Transit police officers responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within a minute of the attack. Hutcherson surrendered immediately upon their arrival, dropping the knife. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Sources indicate that Hutcherson has a history of prior arrests and mental health issues. The investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack is ongoing. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many bystanders fleeing in panic.
He was not charged with a hate crime.
Hutcherson was arrested in November for menacing and assault, but was set free.