A 14-year-old boy was violently stabbed in the eye and arm during a terrifying assault near a tourist gift shop in Times Square on Wednesday evening, April 16, 2025. According to law enforcement sources, the attack occurred around 7 p.m. in front of a business located at the corner of West 43rd Street and 8th Avenue — one of the city’s busiest and most heavily trafficked areas.
Police say the boy was engaged in a dispute with two masked suspects believed to be around the same age — roughly 14 or 15 years old. One of the suspects pulled out a knife and stabbed the teen directly in his left eye and arm, then both attackers fled the scene on foot, heading northbound along 8th Avenue.
Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic and disturbing aftermath. One employee working at the nearby gift store told amNewYork: “They were, like, 14, 15 years old. Police and ambulances came right after. It happened so fast.”
Onlookers saw the teen lying on the sidewalk, bleeding and clearly in distress after the stabbing. Officers from the Midtown South Precinct arrived on the scene shortly after the 911 call, and emergency medical services quickly transported the victim to Bellevue Hospital. Initially listed in critical condition, the teen underwent emergency surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made in the case. Police are actively searching for the two male suspects described by witnesses. One was reportedly wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and ski mask, while the other wore a black hoodie and ski mask.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the suspects or the attack to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. Spanish-speaking tipsters can call 888-57-PISTA. All tips remain confidential.
This brutal stabbing raises serious concerns about rising youth violence and the safety of public spaces in New York City. Times Square, known globally as a bustling hub of tourism, entertainment, and commerce, has seen its share of violent incidents in recent years — but the involvement of teenage suspects in such a vicious assault adds a particularly alarming dimension.
Public safety advocates are calling for more intervention programs targeting at-risk youth, as well as an increased police presence in high-foot-traffic areas to prevent similar crimes. For both residents and tourists, the idea that a child could be stabbed in the face in broad daylight just steps from one of New York City’s most iconic intersections is nothing short of chilling.
For the young victim and his family, the road to recovery will involve not only physical healing but emotional trauma that may last for years. Victims of violent crime — especially minors — have specific rights under New York law, including the right to:
Seek compensation through the New York Office of Victim Services
Access counseling and trauma recovery resources
File civil claims for damages, if applicable
Pursue justice through the criminal court system
Victims may also hold third parties accountable if it can be shown that the environment where the attack occurred — such as a business or public area — failed to implement reasonable security measures.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, we understand the devastating impact violent crimes have on victims and their families. When minors are involved, the emotional and legal stakes are even higher. We are dedicated to ensuring victims receive the legal support and compensation they deserve.
Whether your case involves negligent security, violent assaults in public areas, or youth crime, our experienced team is here to guide you through your legal options. If your family has been affected by an attack like the one in Times Square, we can help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free consultation. You don’t have to face this alone — we are here to fight for you.
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