Two separate violent incidents in United States cities hosting the FIFA World Cup have left nine people injured, sparking concerns about fan safety as the tournament approaches in three days. According to Al Jazeera, six people were wounded in a stabbing on Sunday at New York's Penn Station, while nine others sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting near England's World Cup base camp in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday.
New York Stabbing at Penn Station
The New York City Fire Department reported that a suspect was detained and victims, including one with serious injuries, were transported to hospitals. Initially, officials reported five wounded, but Mayor Zohran Mamdani later stated on X that six people were stabbed and the alleged perpetrator is in custody. The circumstances remain unclear, but City Comptroller Mark Levine described the suspect as an emotionally disturbed homeless person. All victims are expected to survive.
The incident occurred at one of the busiest rail and subway hubs in the nation, as New York prepares for two major sporting events: the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup. Madison Square Garden, located above Penn Station in downtown Manhattan, will host games three and four of the NBA Finals on Monday and Wednesday between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host its first World Cup match on Saturday.
New York's emergency notification system advised people to avoid the area, warning of traffic delays, road closures, mass transit disruptions, and emergency personnel near Penn Station. Prior to the stabbing, officials had already canceled an outdoor watch party scheduled for Sunday outside Madison Square Garden. On Friday, a watch party for game two drew thousands, but turned rowdy, resulting in a police officer assaulted and 26 arrests.
Kansas City Shooting Near England Camp
In Kansas City, police reported no suspects in custody and confirmed that at least three shooting victims were taken to local hospitals. The incident occurred about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) from Swope Soccer Village, where England is set to train. The England team has not yet arrived in Kansas City and is scheduled to play a friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday.
These events raise significant security concerns for the World Cup, which is set to begin in three days, with host cities on high alert to ensure the safety of fans and participants.
