NEW YORK CITY, NY – Tragedy struck at a Grand Central Terminal eatery in New York City on Christmas day when two teenage girls were attacked by a man spewing racial hatred. The minor siblings, aged 14 and 16, from South America, had been enjoying a meal with their parents at a restaurant in the concourse.
The deranged assailant, identified as 36-year-old Steven Hutcherson, allegedly yelled that he wanted all white people dead. He then reportedly stabbed the 16-year-old girl in her back, puncturing her lungs, and the younger sister in the thigh.
Hutcherson was swiftly apprehended by transit police officers who were located nearby. Just minutes prior to the assault, Hutcherson had been engaged in a dispute with restaurant employees who attempted to remove him from the premises.
Charges of attempted murder, assault, criminal weapon possession, and endangering the welfare of a minor have been filed against Hutcherson. At this time, he awaits arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court.
The teenage victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of their injuries and were later discharged in stable condition.
Hutcherson’s arrest data reveals 17 prior infractions, and he’s been labeled an ’emotionally disturbed person’ in previous police encounters. As recently as December 12, he pled guilty to an incident involving threats of violence, and in October was sentenced to 15 days imprisonment for misdemeanor weapon possession.
In the wake of these events, questions are arising regarding the leniency in combating Hutcherson’s history of menacing behavior, now escalated to a horrific attack on two unsuspecting teenagers.