Chaos erupted at Tartinery in the Grand Central Terminal on Christmas morning when a man attacked two teenage girls dining with their parents.
The girls, aged 14 and 16 and visiting from South America, suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds in the incident that occurred around 11:25 a.m.
The attacker was identified as 36-year-old Steven Hutcherson.
According to the New York Post, Hutcherson yelled, "I want all the white people dead. I want to sit next to the crackers," before attacking the teens. The 16-year-old was stabbed in the back, with her lungs nicked, while the younger girl was stabbed in the thigh.
How did the incident take place?
Reportedly, Hutcherson is known for a history of mental health issues and multiple prior arrests. He had initially entered the restaurant claiming he wanted a table but had no intention of ordering anything, as reported by restaurant staff.
When refused, he became irate, pointed to the victims' family, argued about their lack of food, and proceeded to grab a knife to attack the girls.
Transit police officers arrived at the scene within a minute, prompting Hutcherson to drop the knife.
He was subsequently booked on felony counts of attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and misdemeanour endangering the welfare of a child, reportedly.
The victims, staying at a nearby Midtown hotel, were taken to Bellevue Hospital by FDNY EMS for treatment. They were released later in the day and reported to be 'okay'.
Hutcherson, who has 17 prior arrests and a history of being classified as an "emotionally disturbed person," awaits arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. His most recent arrest before this incident occurred on November 7 for allegedly threatening to "shoot" a stranger in the Bronx.
