According to court documents, Jonathan Robles, 36, allegedly told investigators after he was mirandized that he was retaliating.

“She hit me on my body with a stick, so I took the stick from her. I hit her with it more than 20 times,” the interviewing officer reports Robles saying. “I did it until she couldn’t hit me anymore.”

Robles had a bedside arraignment Thursday at a hospital where he has been undergoing psychiatric evaluation and was remanded. He is expected to be arraigned on a grand-jury indictment later this month.

Elise Hill, as the complaint identifies her, was killed near East Drive and East 74th Street in Central Park. Responding officers report finding her with blunt force trauma to the head and cuts to her head and hands.

Also spotted: Pieces of a stick with what appeared to be blood on them, the complaint says.

Robles is charged with second-degree murder. His last listed address is a homeless shelter in Hell’s Kitchen. He is being represented by NYC Defenders, which doesn’t typically comment on open cases.

The random attack happened Monday night outside of a Cravin Crispy restaurant on 116th Street. Video shows the victim standing with his back turned to the suspect, who approaches with the unknown substance and hurls it onto the man’s face. He suffered burns to his face and neck.

Investigators said the two men do not know each other and it’s not clear why the victim was targeted. They also don’t know what substance was poured on the 40-year-old victim.

People who work at the fast food restaurant said a white residue was left behind on the sidewalk after the attack.

Oscar Perez works at the restaurant and said police were back on the street Tuesday investigating the incident.

“[It’s] pretty bizarre. Throwing it on a random person, too, even more crazier. This would ain’t safe no more,” Perez said.

The apparent randomness of the attack has left many in the neighborhood troubled.

“You can be walking and someone randomly approach you and do this to you, we just have to be vigilant and just be our brother’s keeper,” Tanya Leslie, an East Harlem resident, said.

​Police have not been able to identify the victim, who restaurant staff said was waiting on an order when the attacker came up from behind.

The NYPD is now hunting for a suspect behind the violent assault on three men off Delancey Street in the Lower East Side. It happened around 1:15 a.m.

Investigators said the suspect, in his 40s, got into an argument with the victims not far from the Bowery subway station. They said he pulled out a sharp object and stabbed the victims before fleeing from the area.

A 26-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach; a 21-year-old man was stabbed in the shoulder; and a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the arm. All three were taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.

Police said the suspect was wearing a black top hat, sweatshirt, dark pants, and dark gloves.

It wasn’t clear if the truck driver was aware of hitting the unidentified cyclist at West 34th Street and Seventh Avenue, near Penn Station. Police said the bicycle rider was an adult, but didn’t share any further details.

The bicyclist and the dump truck driver were both heading west when the vehicle collided with the rider around 11 a.m., according to police.

The victim died at the scene. Video posted to the Citizen app shows a heavy emergency response.

The truck was stopped a few blocks away, near 35th Street and Fifth Avenue, a law enforcement source said.

Police said no charges were filed against the driver, and no one was taken into custody. The identity of the cyclist was being withheld until his family could be notified.

An investigation was ongoing.

Jonathan Robles, 36, was booked for murder and criminal possession of a weapon around 9 p.m. Robles’ last listed address is the Barbour Hotel homeless shelter in Hell’s Kitchen.

Investigators said Sunday night that the victim, who was found near East Drive and East 74th Street, had head trauma. Police retracted an earlier statement that the woman had been stabbed.

The NYPD said it received a call about an unconscious woman at around 9:40 a.m., as a slow-moving nor’easter drenched the region. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the woman who died did not have identification.

The death left some Central Park visitors shaken.

“Terrible. This is our playground. It’s our backyard… it’s the last thing you want to happen,” John, a New York City resident, said.

“It’s very terrible and sad news because we are tourists and we expect to pass a good time so it’s very sad,” tourist Guadalupe García said. “I will try to enjoy the park in this time and not at the dark, for example.”

Police believe the victim may have been experiencing homelessness.

Samuel Reveron, 25, and Kevin Rodriguez, 26, both entered the sewer pipe just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday as they searched for potential valuables, according to the criminal complaint, in an act known as “drain diving.”

The men were seen on surveillance video exiting the manhole near East 61st Street about three hours later. They then got into two vehicles and drove off, the criminal complaint states.

Police were able to track down Reveron and Rodriguez, the owners of the vehicles used to drive away, by using the license plate numbers and VIN numbers that were captured as the two cars went over the Queensboro Bridge, according to the criminal complaint.

Reveron and Rodriguez were arraigned Friday. They are next expected in court in late November.

Police were still searching for at least one other person who was seen coming out of the same manhole.

There have been similar cases in recent months, and authorities do not believe the so-called “drain diving” has any connection to the UN General Assembly or to any terror plot. The manhole the men were seen exiting from was near the hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was planning to stay ahead of his address.

“We have seen a number of incidents over the past few months of individuals going into the sewer system to look for valuables and other scrap metal after a storm,” the NYPD said in a previous statement to NBC News.

“This incident fits that same criteria, but out of an abundance of caution given the U.N. General Assembly and the sensitivity of the location, the NYPD is conducting additional security sweeps with our federal partners.”

Another three men were reported to be seen exiting a sewer around 4:30 a.m. Friday, at Bay Ridge Parkway and 17th Ave. in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Police are still searching for the suspects.

The department has “a robust response to these incidents, which were deployed overnight and additional measures today,” the NYPD added.

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There were multiple protests throughout Manhattan, most of which were peaceful with plenty of impassioned words as both sides exchanged their views emphatically.

There were some high-profile demonstrators among a crowd that blocked traffic on East 39th Street and First Avenue. Actors Elliot Page, Susan Sarandon, “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder and Wikileaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning were among the better-known names spotted as the group chanted against what they termed genocide in Gaza.

Israel Sep 24

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Israel Sep 24

Netanyahu pleads his case at the U.N. to an audience of mostly empty seats

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Amid conflict in Gaza and ongoing feud with Mamdani, Netanyahu arrives for UN speech

Around 100 people were arrested near the UN during the large protest to Netanyahu’s appearance, according to the advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace. Among those seen taken in custody were Sarandon, Einbinder, New York City congressional candidate Darializa Chevalier, along with multiple City Councilmembers.

All of those who were taken into custody at that protest were later released.

There was at least one violent clash, as two men on opposite sides of Netanyahu’s visit scuffled near East 47th Street. Both were arrested.

The events unfolded amid tight security throughout the area. Heavily armed officers were visible near the UN for a fourth straight day of gridlock alerts in Manhattan.

Anthony Izaguirre of the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

An NYPD canine detected something inside an unattended black suitcase just before 3 p.m. at East 43rd Street and Third Avenue — near the Chrysler Building and just two avenues from the United Nations Headquarters, where scores of world leaders were attending the General Assembly.

The department’s Emergency Services Unit was at the scene to block traffic and tape off the area. The bomb squad responded to the scene as well, a source told NBC New York.

Police closed off 42nd Street, 43rd Street and 44th Street between Second Avenue and Lexington Avenue as they conducted their investigation. About 90 minutes after the suitcase was found, police said the package had been cleared and was deemed not to be suspicious.

A building in the area was evacuated as a precaution.

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Daria Serkov was riding on a Citi Bike with a friend when the two teens were struck by a garbage truck. The crash happened near the corner of 14th Street and First Avenue.

A vigil was held Saturday night to remember the 15-year-old, who was a daughter, a sister, and a friend to many.

“We’re all very close and the kids are going to have a hard time,” Chris Jansen, a longtime family friend, said Saturday. She was with Serkov’s parents Friday night when they got the tragic call from the hospital.

“All our families were all together, just having Mexican night and tacos and tequila and playing games. And then we got the call around 10… 10:30, something like that,” she said.

Surveillance video obtained by News 4 showed how the crash unfolded.

The two teenagers can be seen on the bike, with Serkov appearing to be riding on a basket attached to the handle bars. They come down the street then collide with the commercial truck. The driver was questioned by police but not taken into custody.

“The police went and tried to shake her, but she wasn’t responsive,” a witness said Friday. “And then, a bunch of police came in. They pulled her and then they pulled that person out and they gave that person CPR (for) about 10 minutes. There was no response.”

Police said the 57-year-old truck driver was turning right onto First Avenue and hit the girls as they were riding in the crosswalk. The bike ended up pinned underneath the truck, which is used by Hydro Excavations, according to its company, Badger Infrastructure Solutions.

Police said the 16-year-old operating the bike was hurt but is expected to survive.

“Just being at the hospital with our friend Irena, the mom, and Greta, and going through that whole process last night was like a front row seat to an awful, just an awful experience,” Jansen said.

Serkov was a twin sister and a beloved friend to her classmates. Her unexpected death — unbearable for those at the vigil — who are too heartbroken to speak.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral expenses.

The crash happened at the intersection of 14th St. and 1st Ave. around 9 p.m.

Officers said, a 57-year-old man was driving a 2021 Peterbilt 536 commercial vehicle on E 14th Street. He was going west when he made a right turn northbound on 1st Avenue at the same time the two teenagers tried to make a turn in the same direction.

The 16-year-old was operating the bicycle and the 15-year-old was the passenger. They were riding a Citi Bike that ended up pinned underneath the garbage truck at the scene.

“The police went and then tried to shake her, but she wasn’t responsive,” a witness told NBC New York. “And then, a bunch of police came in. They pulled her and then they pulled that person out and they gave that person CPR (for) about 10 minutes. There was no response.”

Emergency Services took both girls to Bellevue hospital. The 16-year-old was treated for her injuries but remains in stable condition. The 15-year-old was declared deceased by the hospital staff.

Police said the driver of the Badger private garbage truck was being questioned, but he was not taken into custody.

The scene remained active late Friday as detectives continued examining evidence and traffic grew.

Police said multiple city cameras at the intersection likely recorded the incident, and could indicate who had the right of way at the time of the crash.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.

Ahead of global leaders discussing international issues and making decisions such as approving the UN budget and appointing the secretary-general, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, detailed what New Yorkers can expect during the annual event at UN Headquarters at 405 E. 45th St

A gridlock alert is in effect through the end of the assembly. Mamdani said New Yorkers should expect traffic congestion, disruptions to ferry service and closures of portions of the FDR Drive at certain times. Barricades were in place as early as late last week, as were green street signs that warn, “no stopping anytime.”

UN General Assembly street closures

• First Avenue: Closed from 41st Street to 48th Street.
• Cross streets: 44th Street through 47th Street will be closed between First Avenue and Second Avenue daily for the duration of the assembly.
• 42nd Street: Closed from First Avenue to Second Avenue daily while meetings are in session until approximately 9:00 p.m.
• FDR Drive: The 42nd Street exit will be blocked off, and portions of the FDR Drive may experience closures at various times.
• Exceptions: Passenger vehicles and bicycles may still use the First Avenue tunnel to travel north through the area.

Although NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no known specific or credible threats, residents will see more police officers deployed across Manhattan, especially on the East Side. They will also notice a full department response, with NYPD assets deployed on the ground, in the air, and on the waterways.

“This is one of the most complex security operations that we carry out,” said Tisch. “And we ask every New Yorker across all five boroughs to please stay vigilant. If you see something suspicious, don’t keep it to yourself. Find an officer, call 911, or call the terror hotline.”

The U.S. Secret Service, along with the FBI, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, UN police and other local and state partners, will join the NYPD to support security efforts around UN Headquarters.

“We know New York City is always a target. Especially so when thousands of international representatives are present,” said Mamdani.

Who is attending?

Among the heads of state that will be in attendance: President Donald Trump, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump is set to address the assembly on Tuesday — which will likely make it a particularly bad traffic day.

This year’s UNGA theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Global leaders will tackle an agenda that includes international security, climate change, the fight against racism and progress toward sustainable development goals.

The centerpiece of the high-level week is the general debate, starting Sept. 22, with 14 countries — including the U.S., Brazil, Jordan, Peru and France — scheduled to participate.

“The Most Legendary Lunch Break Ever” is a one-day only pop-up offering New Yorkers the chance at a free lunch Thursday courtesy of some award-winning chefs.

Seven famous chefs will be spread out across Manhattan, where they’ll be serving up gourmet meals from delis and bodegas during the lunch rush. But act fast, lunch is only on the house while supplies last.

The roster of noteworthy chefs includes Rocco DiSpirito, José Garces, Einat Admony, Vikas Khanna, John DeLucie, Babish and Miriam Milord. The CookUnity pop-up runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Here’s a list of the participating locations and their celebrity chefs:

• Chelsea — Madison Square Convenience, 266 W 23rd St — John DeLucie
• Murray Hill — Slice ‘N Spice Deli & Grill, 451 3rd Ave — Rocco DiSpirito & Vikas Khanna
• West Village — Sam’s Deli, 275 W 4th St — Miriam Milord
• Midtown — 369 Madison Ave, between E 45th & E 46th St — José Garces & Babish
• Flatiron — Bari Bodega, 873 Broadway — Einat Admony

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MTA police responded around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to an incident aboard the 7:12 a.m. train from New Canaan heading to the Manhattan transit hub. As the train approached Track 110 on the lower level of Grand Central, a woman started having what MTA police described as an “emotional crisis.”

Another passenger on the train told law enforcement that the woman said “this will be your last day on Earth.” Immediately after seeing the woman, another woman aboard the train pulled an emergency cord, police said, forcing the train to come to a halt about 100 yards from the platform.

Around 60 passengers got off the train at that point. After learning that some passengers had gotten off the train, Metro-North de-energized the third rail and suspended all train service to Grand Central’s lower level. Officers and train crew members escorted those on the tracks to the platform.

Power was restored once all the passengers were off the tracks, about 20 minutes after the incident began, the MTA said, and the rest of the passengers still on the train were taken to the platform.

The woman, identified as Hannah Santero, was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat and a threat of mass harm. Attorney information for the 33-year-old from Elmhurst was not immediately available.

No weapons were found at the scene, and no injuries were reported.

Trains on the Harlem, Hudson and New Haven lines all experienced delays as a result of the incident, but were running on or close to schedule by midday.

Carnegie Deli’s juicy, pastrami-packed sandwiches are back in midtown Manhattan, with the deli opening in the former Stage Deli space on Tuesday.

The beloved 2,500-square-foot restaurant opens its doors Tuesday on Seventh Avenue, steps from its original location, which it closed in 2016.

Founded in 1937, the Carnegie Deli announced on social media in August that it would be reopening. CEO Sarri Harper, the granddaughter of longtime owner Milton Parker, didn’t plan to reopen the business in the Stage Deli location, The New York Times reported; it was a coincidence.

With 110 seats, diners won’t need a reservation to enjoy the traditional menu, which ranges from the iconic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches piled on rye to all-beef hot dogs and cheesecake.

New additions include the Carnegie Deli Colossus — a giant sandwich piled with pastrami, corned beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye — as well as the fully loaded Reuben fries, fried deli pickle chips and babka French toast.

But it’s not just the food that’s coming back. The wall of fame — and the giant pickle hanging from the ceiling — will also return, featuring photos of celebrities like Adam Sandler, who referenced the deli in his “Hanukkah Song” performance on “Saturday Night Live” in 1994.

The deli will choose two people with the best Carnegie Deli memories for an Opening Day VIP experience. Participants can share their stories on the Instagram post, and winners will be selected Monday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m.

Carnegie Deli will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The university’s “deliberate indifference” led to the doxing of multiple group members and Khalil’s detention by immigration agents, according to the civil rights lawsuit filed in federal court in New York City.

The university declined to comment on the lawsuit, but said in an email that “creating a campus environment where every member of our community feels welcome, supported, and safe is fundamental to who we are as a University.”

“Columbia is committed to protecting our community from discrimination and harassment, and responding promptly and appropriately when concerns arise,” it said.

Khalil also sued Columbia last year to block the release of student records to a congressional committee.

A former graduate student at Columbia University, Khalil gained prominence as a spokesperson for student activists protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him at his campus apartment in March 2025, and he quickly became the face of the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

Khalil spent 104 days in a Louisiana immigration jail, missing the birth of his first child, before a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release. His deportation case remains active.

Khalil’s lawsuit says Columbia “refused to correct disinformation” about him while he was detained, “allowing a false narrative about his conduct and role to persist and further enabling peer-on-peer harassment of other Palestinian students and students with perceived shared Arab and/or Muslim ancestry.”

Instead of investigating reports of harassment, the university retaliated by characterizing events by a pro-Palestinian campus group as security risks and revising disciplinary policy to target criticism of the Israeli government, according to the lawsuit.

It accuses Columbia of civil rights violations, requests a court order restoring Khalil’s access to the campus and ending the Palestinian group’s suspension, and seeks damages “to be determined at trial.”

It also names the pro-Palestinian group and its president, Mohammad Zubairi, as plaintiffs.

Police escorted 41-year-old Tiliek Thompson out of the precinct on Saturday to screams from the family of 27-year-old Lovay Williams.

The Harlem man was arrested, nearly a week after Williams’ body was found, and booked on charges of murder, strangulation and child abandonment. Contact information for his attorney was not immediately known.

Last Sunday, police were conducting a wellness check on Williams when they found the mother beaten to death inside her home near Amsterdam Avenue and West 156th Street.

Law enforcement sources said the woman’s child, believed to be around 5 years old, was present during what they said looked like a domestic incident.

Neighbors said a mystery person was seen leaving the victim’s unit over and over, holding plastic bags. It wasn’t clear if police believe that person was Thompson.

Williams was a reserved person, according to her neighbors, and was always accompanied by her young daughter, who was seen leaving the apartment building with police officers.

“It’s very distressing for a child that age to see something so horrible happen right before their eyes,” said Anthony Sanchez, a neighbor.

Those familiar with the mother and daughter’s case, like Luz Perez, said they can’t help but feel compassion for the victim and her daughter, who is now living a heartbreaking reality.

“I hope they find him. That poor girl lost her mother, and that’s very sad. She shouldn’t have to go through that at such a young age,” said Luz Perez.

Kamran Hekmati was let out of Tehran’s notorious Evin prison on Sept. 5 after completing about half of a two-year sentence, his family recently wrote on a website advocating for his release.

The family said they are also “desperately afraid for his health and well-being” as he requires regular medical checkups to ensure his bladder cancer doesn’t relapse.

“The Iranian regime couldn’t care less,” the family wrote of Hekmati’s medical challenges. “Much like other wrongful detention cases in Iran, Kamran appears to be caught up in Iran’s traditional approach of detaining Americans to obtain political concessions from the US.”

Representatives for the family and the federal government didn’t say where Hekmati, who turned 62 in August, is currently staying in Iran.

But Shohreh Nowfar, Hekmati’s cousin in California, said Friday that the family is “excited” and hopeful that his passport can be returned soon so he can leave the country, which has been at war with the U.S. and Israel for more than six months now.

“We continue to hope this is a signal from the Iranian side as to their willingness to send Kamran home,” added Kieran Ramsey, chief investigative officer at Global Reach, a U.S. nonprofit working on Hekmati’s case.

The Iranian American, who is also Jewish, owns a jewelry business in Manhattan’s Diamond District and has lived with his family for years in Great Neck Estates, on suburban Long Island.

He was arrested by Iranian authorities last July after having his passport seized while trying to fly out of the airport in Tehran that May.

Hekmati’s family says he was charged under an Iranian law that bans Iranian citizens from visiting Israel within the last 10 years. But they maintain his last trip to Israel was 13 years ago — prior to the passage of the law — for his son’s bar mitzvah.

“Mr. Hekmati did nothing wrong,” said U.S. Rep. Thomas Suozzi, a Long Island Democrat who advocated for the State Department to officially designate Hekmati as wrongfully detained earlier this year. “We cannot rest until he is reunited with his family.”

The State Department similarly called on Iran to lift its so-called exit ban so Hekmati can return to the U.S. It also said the country should “immediately release” Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh and other Americans “unjustly detained in Iran.”

Valizadeh and Hekmati are the two Americans so far officially designated as wrongfully detained in Iran, while up to eight others who have not been publicly named are prohibited from leaving the country, according to Ramsey.

Valizadeh’s lawyer, Ryan Fayhee, declined to comment Friday, citing the risks his client could face behind bars.

But in recent months, the journalist has sent voice messages describing conditions inside Evin prison, a high-security facility that holds many of the Islamic Republic’s political prisoners.

In an August recording, Valizadeh, who has been imprisoned since 2024, said prison officials have not allowed his family to visit for the past five months. He also said medical care is “almost non-existent,” save for the most basic medications.

“Diseases that were eradicated decades ago have returned inside the prison, including pulmonary and gastrointestinal tuberculosis,” he said in the voice message, which was shared by CBS.

Valizadeh also said that prior to his release, Hekmati had been granted a medical furlough for cancer treatment but was ordered back to prison after about a month, rather than being allowed to begin chemotherapy.

Valizadeh is among at least nine reporters currently jailed in Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

He was arrested after returning to Iran to visit his elderly parents and charged with collaborating with the U.S. government.

Valizadeh obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022 while working in Washington, D.C., for Radio Farda, the Persian-language arm of Radio Free Europe, which receives U.S. government funding.

The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. when police responded to an emergency call in the area of ​​Bowery and Canal Streets in Chinatown. A preliminary investigation indicated that a 66-year-old driver, who was driving a medium-sized truck, attempted to make a right turn on Bowery Street while traveling on Canal Street.

At that moment, he struck three people as he mounted the sidewalk and continued down Hester Street until colliding with another vehicle.

Authorities transported the pedestrians—a 77-year-old man and two women—to the hospital. The man died, and the women are in stable condition.

One person was taken into custody.

The case remains under investigation.

The grim discovery was made Sunday around 1:30 p.m. on West 156th Street, near Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights.

Neighbors told Telemundo 47 that she had lived there for at least two years and was quite reserved.

“It surprises me, because she doesn’t talk to anyone,” said neighbor Jaydalee Marie.

The victim was identified as Lovay Williams. According to police sources, her 5-year-old daughter was alone inside the apartment with her mother’s body.

Police say officers were conducting a welfare check on the victim when they found her inside the apartment, unconscious and unresponsive, with injuries to her face and neck.

This occurred approximately an hour after neighbor Jim Aiken reported seeing a mysterious person leaving the victim’s apartment several times, dressed in dark clothing and carrying plastic bags.

“It’s sad for the family,” Aiken said.

Police sources informed Telemundo 47 that the crime appears to be related to domestic violence.

Neighbors said Williams was a reserved person and was always accompanied by her young daughter, who was seen leaving the apartment building with police officers.

“It’s very distressing for a child that age to see something so horrible happen right before their eyes,” said Anthony Sanchez, a neighbor.

Those familiar with the mother and daughter’s case, like Luz Perez, said they can’t help but feel compassion for the victim and her daughter, who is now living a heartbreaking reality.

“I hope they find him. That poor girl lost her mother, and that’s very sad. She shouldn’t have to go through that at such a young age,” said Luz Perez.

Authorities say Cisneros on Monday randomly stabbed a young woman and a 68-year-old man, then refused officers’ demands to drop the knives she held — one in each hand. Police shot her. She died at a hospital.

Meanwhile, there’s been an outpouring of national support for Erin Piacenti, the 32-year-old new mother cops say Cisneros killed on Piacenti’s very first day back from maternity leave.

Piacenti, a vice president at Bank of America, was walking through the busy tourist area in the heart of Manhattan Monday evening when she was stabbed in the abdomen.

Her daughter is just 5 months old.

Relatives of Piacenti established a crowdfunding campaign to support her baby girl, named Madison. As of Thursday afternoon, it had raised more than $500,000.

“Erin’s life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived,” reads the campaign, organized by her husband Frank’s brother-in-law. “Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her.”

“Erin and Frank celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer, had just returned from a family road trip upon her passing, and were preparing to build a life together with their new daughter,” the crowdfunding campaign continued. “That life changed incomprehensibly in an instant.”

Cisneros, a 49-year-old from Queens, had a documented history of mental health concerns dating back to 2018 and 2019, but she had no criminal history. In 2018, she was reportedly screaming and acting erratically at a building on Lexington Avenue on the East Side of Manhattan. In 2019, she apparently tried to or claimed she was going to take her life by jumping in front of the subway at Union Turnpike in Queens.

The first victim, from Rhode Island, was taken to Bellevue Hospital where police said he was recovering and is expected to survive.

The woman stabbed to death in Times Square was a new mother who had just finished her first day back at work from maternity leave when she was killed in an unprovoked attack, according to family.

Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old vice president at Bank of America, was walking through the busy tourist area in the heart of Manhattan Monday evening when she was stabbed in the abdomen. She was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.

A crowdfunding campaign was established by relatives of Piacenti to support her 5-month-old baby girl, Madison.

“Erin’s life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived. Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her,” read the campaign organized by the brother-in-law of Piacenti’s husband, Frank.

The crowdfunding campaign called the killing a “random, senseless, and unprovoked attack.”

Piacenti, who lived in Chester, New Jersey, was killed by Pamela Cisneros, who was shot dead by police after stabbing the new mother as well as a 68-year-old man during the deadly afternoon spree. The New York Attorney General announced Wednesday the Office of Special Investigation was looking into the police shooting — a standard protocol when anyone dies during a law enforcement encounter.

The first victim had just come out of the subway with his wife. A witness told police Cisneros took out the knives from a red shopping bag before approaching the couple at the corner of West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue. After waving the weapons around, the suspect stabbed the 68-year-old man in his side.

She then went up a block and attacked Piacenti.

“Erin and Frank celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer, had just returned from a family road trip upon her passing, and were preparing to build a life together with their new daughter. That life changed incomprehensibly in an instant,” the crowdfunding campaign read.

The stabbings happened about 20 seconds apart and were not believed to be connected. The attacks had no apparent nexus to terror, law enforcement sources said.

The first victim, from Rhode Island, was taken to Bellevue Hospital where police said he was recovering and is expected to survive.

Following the two stabbings, Cisneros continued up Seventh Avenue, where she got into a standoff with police between 42nd and 43rd streets. She was still armed at the time and refused to drop the large knives.

Officers spoke to her for four minutes and fired stun guns at her, but they were not effective in stopping Cisneros. That’s when officers opened fire, killing Cisneros.

Both knives allegedly used by the suspect were recovered at the scene.

Cisneros, a 49-year-old from Queens, had a documented history of mental health concerns dating back to 2018 and 2019, but she had no criminal history. In 2018, she was reportedly screaming and acting erratically at a building on Lexington Avenue on the East Side of Manhattan. In 2019, she apparently tried to or claimed she was going to take her life by jumping in front of the subway at Union Turnpike in Queens.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on July 29 at the Inwood-207th Street subway station, according to police. Camila Heras was standing next to her mom, Valeria Correa, who was multitasking at the station mezzanine as she held her younger son and was preparing to pay at the turnstile.

That’s when the suspect came up from behind and grabbed the child.

“I was scared,” Camila told NBC New York. “The girl take me and hugged me so hard and tried to push me down the little things that turn.”

The woman took Camila by the arms and tried to run off with her into the subway, but the little girl told News 4 the turnstile wouldn’t open.

Correa said she told the woman to let go of her daughter.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, got away on a southbound A train. Camila recalled the woman saying “sorry” twice before she got away.

EMS treated the girl on scene, but no injuries were reported.

“I was thinking that I won’t see my mom anymore,” Camila said of the scary ordeal. “I’m scared when I go in the train and hold onto mom because I don’t want that to happen again.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit their tips on the Crime Stoppers website.

Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old from Chester, New Jersey, was stabbed in the abdomen. She was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time after the attack in the tourist-heavy area in the heart of Manhattan.

Piacenti was an executive with Bank of America. Her employer released a statement on her death Tuesday: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague.  She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed.”

“Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones,” it continued.

Piacenti, who lived in Chester, did her undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania before graduating from Fordham Law School in 2021 alongside her husband, Frank. Fordham said in a statement they’d been “cherished members of the Fordham Law family” since.

Police say Pamela Cisneros, the 49-year-old Queens woman shot dead by police after killing Piacenti and stabbing a 68-year-old man during the afternoon spree, had a documented history of mental health concerns.

The first victim had just come out of the subway with his wife. A witness told police Cisneros took out the knives from a red shopping bag before approaching the couple at the corner of West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue. After waving the weapons around, the suspect stabbed the 68-year-old man in his side.

She then went up a block and attacked Piacenti. The stabbings happened about 20 seconds apart.

They are believed to be random and unprovoked, with no apparent nexus to terror, according to law enforcement sources. The first victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where police said he was recovering.

“Our thoughts are, of course, with the victims of this horrific attack and their families. One life cut far too short by a senseless act of violence,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Following the two stabbings, Cisneros continued up Seventh Avenue, where she encountered police between 42nd and 43rd streets, according to police. She was still armed with both knives at that time.

Officers spoke to her for four minutes, telling her to drop the knives, but she refused, police said.

The responding officers fired stun guns at her, which did not appear to be effective, police said. Cisneros then advanced toward officers, two of whom opened fire at her. She was taken to the hospital, where she died.

The NYPD had a documented history of mental health concerns regarding Cisneros dating back to 2018 and 2019, but she had no criminal history. In 2018, she was reportedly screaming and acting erratically at a building on Lexington Avenue on the East Side of Manhattan; In 2019, she apparently tried to or claimed she was going to take her life by jumping in front of the subway at Union Turnpike in Queens.

Both knives allegedly used by the suspect were recovered at the scene.

Pamela Cisneros, who police described as emotionally disturbed, had two knives on her as she threatened people in the tourist-heavy area around 4 p.m. She went up to a man who had just exited the subway and was waiting with his wife to cross the street near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, police said.

A witness told police Cisneros took out the knives from a red Target bag before approaching the couple. After waving the weapons around, the suspect stabbed a 68-year-old man in his side.

She then went up block up and approached a 32-year-old woman before stabbing her in the stomach, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The woman was rushed to the hospital, where she died.

“This was an extraordinarily dangerous situation unfolding in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world,” Tisch said.

The first victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where police said he was recovering. The stabbings took place about 20 seconds apart.

Tisch said the stabbings appeared to be random and unprovoked. The attacks did not appear to be terror-related, according to sources.

Police had not yet shared the victims’ names.

“Tonight, our thoughts are, of course, with the victims of this horrific attack and their families. One life cut far too short by a senseless act of violence,” said Tisch.

Following the two stabbings, Cisneros continued up Seventh Avenue, where she encountered police between 42nd and 43rd streets, according to Tisch. She was still armed with both knives at that time.

Officers spoke to her for four minutes, telling her to drop the knives, but she refused, said Tisch. While talking to officers, the suspect said “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you,” and repeatedly threatened to kill the officers.

The responding officers fired stun guns at her, which did not appear to be effective, police said. Cisneros then advanced toward officers, two of whom opened fire at her. She was taken to the hospital, where she died.

The NYPD had a documented history of mental health concerns regarding Cisneros dating back to 2018 and 2019, but she had no criminal history.

Both knives allegedly used by the suspect were recovered at the scene.

“We know that those families’ lives have been shattered by what took place today, and we will continue to hold them close as the hours and days and weeks continue from this moment,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Violent crime has fallen sharply in New York City so far this year, with homicides down 24% and on pace to potentially hit their lowest level in decades. But this is the second killing this year in Times Square. A man was fatally stabbed in the same area in May.

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The suspect, who police described as emotionally disturbed, had two knives on her as she threatened people in the tourist-heavy area around 4 p.m. The suspect, later identified as Pamela Cisneros, went up to a man who had just exited the subway and was waiting with his wife to cross the street near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, police said.

A witness told police Cisneros took out the knives from a red Target bag before approaching the couple. After waving the weapons around, the suspect stabbed a 68-year-old man in his side.

She then went up block up and approached a 32-year-old woman before stabbing her in the stomach, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The woman was rushed to the hospital, where she died.

“This was an extraordinarily dangerous situation unfolding in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world,” Tisch said.

The first victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where police said he was recovering. The stabbings took place about 20 seconds apart.

Tisch said the stabbings appeared to be random and unprovoked. The attacks did not appear to be terror-related, according to sources.

Police had not yet shared the victims’ names.

“Tonight, our thoughts are, of course, with the victims of this horrific attack and their families. One life cut far too short by a senseless act of violence,” said Tisch.

Following the two stabbings, Cisneros continued up Seventh Avenue, where she encountered police between 42nd and 43rd streets, according to Tisch. She was still armed with both knives at that time.

Officers spoke to her for four minutes, telling her to drop the knives, but she refused, said Tisch. While talking to officers, the suspect said “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you,” and repeatedly threatened to kill the officers.

The responding officers fired stun guns at her, which did not appear to be effective, police said. Cisneros then advanced toward officers, two of whom opened fire at her. She was taken to the hospital, where she died.

The NYPD had a documented history of mental health concerns regarding Cisneros dating back to 2018 and 2019, but she had no criminal history.

The NYPD closed off the area from 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue up to 47th Street during their investigation and warned to expect delays in the surrounding blocks.

Both knives allegedly used by the suspect were recovered at the scene.

An investigation is ongoing.

“We know that those families’ lives have been shattered by what took place today, and we will continue to hold them close as the hours and days and weeks continue from this moment,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Violent crime has fallen sharply in New York City so far this year, with homicides down 24% and on pace to potentially hit their lowest level in decades. But this is the second killing this year in Times Square. A man was fatally stabbed in the same area in May.

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Emergency repairs were underway for hours at 81st Street and Central Park West. The problem was discovered there over the weekend during planned track work.

Through Monday evening, there was no downtown local service from 125 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle. Downtown B and C service was running express, skipping all local stops in the downtown direction. Uptown service was running with delays.

While the agency said earlier in the day that they were “hoping to resume by the morning rush” on Tuesday, the MTA said full service had been restored just after 8 p.m. Monday.

The agency worked to implement a temporary fix, with permanent repairs scheduled for a later date.

Get the latest from the MTA here.

AMC Kips Bay 15, a staple of the theater chain’s New York footprint and its second-largest in the borough, will close by the end of 2026.

According to a statement given to Variety, “We expect that AMC Kips Bay 15 will continue operating until the end of 2026, at which time the theatre will close following the property owner’s decision to exercise its contractual right to terminate the theatre’s lease before its scheduled expiration.”

Shock and disbelief from online movie lovers spread after a post on X by Bilge Ebiri, a critic for New York Magazine and Vulture. That announcement prompted calls to action by heartbroken theater goers.

Early obituaries called for a “save Kips Bay” rally, a plea to Mayor Zohran Mamdani to intervene, and the suggestion of replacing the Brooklyn Navy Yard with a new AMC location. Some shared fond memories of past dates and attending premieres.

Many others pointed out the reported expansion of a hospital to where the theater now sits.

“Since its opening in 1999, the theatre has been an important part of the Kips Bay community and surrounding neighborhoods, providing guests with a place to enjoy the magic of the movies together,” the statement to Variety continued.

“AMC took over operations of AMC Kips Bay 15 in 2006, and we are immensely grateful to our guests for their loyalty and support throughout the years. Details are still being finalized, and a formal closure date will be announced in the coming months. At this time, we have no additional information to share.”

The 15-screen theater is the companies second-largest in Manhattan. Without the Kips Bay site, AMC will still operate Empire 25, 34th Street 14, Lincoln Square 13, Magic Johnson Harlem 9, Village 7, Orpheum 7, 18th Street 6 and 84th Street 6.

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Surveillance video of the Thursday morning Inwood accident is jarring. A home security camera focusing on the intersection of West 204th Street and Sherman Avenue showed a black Mercedes-Benz SUV suddenly come flying backward into a block of parked cars, crashing over two of them before landing on its side on the sidewalk.

A speeding Corvette driver had hit the Benz, authorities said. While the SUV flew backward, the Corvette went careening into a 34-year-old man on the sidewalk before crashing into a building.

The pedestrian was flung off his feet from the impact. His family said he was in the hospital with a broken leg, but was recovering. The driver of the Corvette was ejected but was also expected to survive.

Cops said the occupants of the Benz ran from the scene before police arrived. Security cameras showed them trapped inside the SUV after the crash, banging on the window repeatedly until a building superintendent came to their rescue.

“I broke the sunroof and I pulled them out and when I pulled them out they left,” said witness Jorge Martinez.

Neighbors said they couldn’t believe that no one was killed, and more people weren’t hurt, given what they saw of the accident. They also say speeding cars are a constant problem in the area.

Later Thursday, police arrested Eric Torres on charges of reckless endangerment, reckless driving and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Attorney information for the 27-year-old was not immediately clear.

An investigation is ongoing.

The family and friends of Jose Daniel Diaz Felipe was prepared to say goodbye to the man they knew as Danielito at his wake in late May after his death at the age of 84. But when they showed up at the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home in Washington Heights, they were stunned by who they found lying in his casket.

“We open the coffin and find another man. And they were trying for hours to convince us he was our father,” Jose Luis Diaz, the man’s son, previously told NBC New York.

Diaz said his father was bald, but the corpse lying in the coffin — which was dressed in his father’s clothes — had hair and was much taller his dad, who was 5’3. The family immediately tried to get answers from the funeral home about the whereabouts of their dad.

At first, the funeral home insisted the body inside the casket for the wake was that of their father, despite the family’s arguments to the contrary, the lawsuit stated. After the services, the funeral home said they had made a mistake because they had received two people with the same name and mixed up the bodies.

“That was cruel. Make us get in contact with another body,” Diaz said. 

The funeral home then told the family that their father had been cremated days earlier, according to the lawsuit. The family did not get a chance to see their father’s body before the process or get a proper goodbye.

“We believe that they knew they made a mistake and were hoping they would be convincing enough to cover it up,” said the family’s attorney, Philip Rizzuto.

The family is seeking $16 million in damages as a result of the alleged mix-up, saying they have suffered severe “mental, psychological, traumatic injuries, including great mental pain and suffering.”

It’s not the first time a grieving family has had an issue with services provided by R.G. Ortiz Funeral Homes. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection sued the funeral home after receiving nearly 50 complaints about the condition of the remains of loved ones and misrepresenting or concealing the prices of services offered.

In 2024, the funeral home settled the suit, agreeing to pay $600,000 to clients and pay $100,000 in civil penalties.

The management for the funeral home, which has eight locations across New York City, did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the new lawsuit.

The source says the victim had gotten into a dispute with a 40-year-old man on the nortbound F/D platform.

It wasn’t clear what they argued about, but at some point, the younger man allegedly shoved the 72-year-old onto the train tracks.

The victim was able to climb back onto the platform. He is expected to be OK. The source didn’t have any details on the nature of potential injuries.

The alleged shover, meanwhile, who is from Queens, was arrested on charges including assault and reckless endangerment.

Carnegie Deli shared a video on social media showing signage going up at an undisclosed location, along with the caption: “The sign is up. The secret is out. Carnegie Deli is coming soon to Midtown Manhattan.”

It was not immediately clear whether it would be a permanent return for the deli or temporary pop-up. The business also did not share when the doors might open once again.

The deli, famous for its overstuffed pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, previously returned as a week-long pop-up in SoHo in Dec. 2018, as a promotion the show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which was set in the 1950s.

The longtime staple located on Seventh Avenue between 54th and 55th streets closed in 2016 after almost 80 years in business. It originally opened in 1937, drawing its name from Carnegie Hall just a block north.

The restaurant got a star turn in Woody Allen’s 1984 film “Broadway Danny Rose” and remained a stop until the end for out-of-towners looking for the classic New York deli experience. It had been featured on a slew of TV shows over the years, including “Law & Order” and “Seinfeld.”

The place, with its walls lined with photos of celebrities who had eaten there, screamed old New York, from its vintage neon sign, to the items on the menu: slices of cheesecake, knishes, tongue and chopped liver and $30 Reuben sandwiches.

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The criminal complaint filed Tuesday charged Larry Montes with two counts of committing a hate crime and a charge of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury in connection to the disturbance caused Friday night at Central Synagogue in Midtown East. The 46-year-old was said to have stood up during the service and smashed two ceremonial candlesticks, and then started shouting.

When security went to remove him, he allegedly shouted profanities at the guards and congregants, including a racial slur at a Black security guard, whom Montes headbutted and spit in his face. The criminal complaint states he also punched a woman who attended the service.

Police said an off-duty NYPD sergeant who happened to be working a paid detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody.

While being removed, Montes vowed to return to the synagogue another day. After he was arrested and advised of his Miranda rights, Montes allegedly stated, “f— the Jews…It’s racial” and “I will never affiliate with no filthy f—–g synagogues, either here or in fucking Israel.”

Montes said of his actions at the synagogue, “it’s all a racial thing” and that it was “all religious motivated,” according to prosecutors with the Southern District of New York.

The NYPD and FBI led the investigation. Attorney information for Montes was not immediately available.

“An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental right to practice one’s faith safely, and our Office will work tirelessly to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable as we continue to protect all communities from hate driven violence,” U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said in a statement.

“I am grateful that an NYPD sergeant was there to take him into custody, and for the ongoing efforts of our Hate Crimes Task Force and our federal partners to hold Montes accountable for his alleged crimes,” added NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The NYPD recorded 360 hate crimes since the start of August, police said. Of those, 205 targeted Jewish people.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the Central Synagogue attack Saturday morning and condemned anti-Semitism and hate crimes across the five boroughs.

Montes will appear in court at a later date. If convicted on all three counts, he could face decades in prison.

Cops were called to the Eighth Avenue scene around 2 a.m. for a report of assault and found the victim wounded in the torso. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to be OK.

A 25-year-old man from Florida was arrested and charged with assault.

No other details on the circumstances were immediately available.

The NYPD says its investigation is ongoing.

The parade took over 13 blocks of Madison Ave. between East 39th and East 26th streets, with Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-New York) helping to kick things off and marching alongside other dignitaries.

“It’s very good. You can see every country is here. Everyone’s celebrating… it’s an awesome feeling,” an attendee said.

Behind the dignitaries, more than 40 floats rolled through Manhattan in orange, white and green — the colors of the Indian flag.

“It’s wonderful. That’s what it’s all about. It’s unity and diversity,” said Prashant Patel, who came down with his family from Boston.

“It’s pretty great. It feels like a party and I feel good that I’m here,” Shurudhi Saravanan of Chennai, India, said.

Adults and kids along the parade route watched the colorful floats and listened as drums and gongs echoed along the avenue.

“It reminds me of India,” Aayush said.

The celebration also featured costumed participants — including an “Indian Elvis,” dressed in a golden outfit.

“India was the golden part. All full of gold,” said Rahj Gupta, dressed as the golden-tinted king of rock ‘n’ roll. “People used to go to India to get jobs to do the business. That’s like a little piece of India.”

As the crowd commemorated India’s independence, Patel said the parade made him feel connected to both countries.

“It’s like a closely tight community — India and America, and America and India. And I think it’s a great relation,” Patel said.

People said this year’s parade delivered on its theme of “Harmony in Heritage,” bringing together attendees from many different backgrounds who felt unified in celebration.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.

A 63-year-old woman was injured after police say a man stormed into Central Synagogue in Manhattan during a Shabbat service and attacked her, an incident authorities are investigating as a hate crime.

Police arrested 46-year-old Larry Montes of the South Bronx, accusing him of confronting congregants and then attacking people as he was escorted out.

When security led Montes out, authorities say he struck the woman in the head and damaged synagogue property. They also say he spat at and headbutted a member of the synagogue’s security.

Police say an off-duty NYPD sergeant who happened to be working a paid detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch posted on X that Central Synagogue is where she grew up, adding, “a place of worship should never be a crime scene.”

The NYPD recorded 360 hate crimes since the start of August, police said. Of those, 205 targeted Jewish people.

Mayor Mamdani commented on the Central Synagogue attack Saturday morning and condemned anti-Semitism and hate crimes across the five boroughs.

The mayor has faced criticism from prominent Jewish leaders, urging him to tone down his disapproval of the Israeli government and his calls to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu.

Montes has been charged with four counts of assault as a hate crime, aggravated harassment, criminal trespassing and other charges.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.

Three weeks ago, Linda Wolff, an immigrant rights supporter who can often be found outside of Delaney Hall, said she was in Inwood when she got word ICE agents were making arrests in the area. She said she took out her phone and started recording.

“I went back on the curb and was just filming ICE, and they walked over and they maced me,” Wolff said Friday. “My civil rights were completely violated at that moment.”

Now, Wolff plans to take ICE to court.

Earlier this week, she stood alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul at a press conference, highlighting a new law in New York that bans local police departments from participating in immigration enforcement. Another state law allows people to sue individual federal ICE officers in state court for violating their constitutional rights.

“I’m grateful for Gov. Hochul for making that law. And I’m the first one to, you know, have a lawsuit,” Wolff said.

Civil rights attorney John Burris is representing Wolff and filed a federal tort claim against ICE.

“It’s unconscionable to hide behind a mask and badge. And people do not understand and know who you are. So the great task here is to uncover that person, to unmask that person,” Burris told News 4.

A spokesperson for ICE said, “Our officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary.”

The law firm representing Wolff is also handling similar suits alleging excessive force by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

One of the largest venues in the city, Madison Square Garden, is at the center of a campaign gaining momentum at City Hall to ban such surveillance tech.

“We should not have to give up our faces just to attend a basketball game,” DSA technology activist Raaid Arshad said Friday.

Two months after the Knicks won the championship at The Garden, Arshad is part of a group not celebrating owner James Dolan’s policy of using facial recognition to screen who gets in and who doesn’t.

NYC Council Member Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) introduced a bill called “Ban the Scan.” The bill had not received much traction, but an aide to Mayor Mamdani Zohran backed it this week.

“This kind of mass surveillance opens the door to abuse and discrimination, making consumers in our city uniquely vulnerable,” Consumer Affairs Commissioner Sam Levine said in a statement.

Dolan’s venues have received scrutiny before for using facial recognition. In 2023, the I-Team reported that Girl Scout mom Kelly Conlin was kicked out of his other major venue, Radio City Music Hall, allegedly because her law firm had sued a restaurant group owned by MSG.

A spokesperson for Madison Square Garden said Friday, “People have been recognizing each other’s face since the beginning of time — we just do it electronically.”

The group adds that signs are posted outside of the venue in compliance with the law.

There is currently no scheduled vote on the “Ban the Scan” bill, which would primarily regulate how the data that’s collected is stored and circulated.

The aftermath was captured on video through Citizen App, which shows the moment police escorted a man out of the synagogue in handcuffs on Friday. 

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the suspect interrupted the worship service, and while being escorted out by synagogue security, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property and spit at and headbutted a member of security.

Law enforcement sources tell News 4 that a 63-year-old woman was punched in the face and is expected to be OK.

Tisch addressed the investigation on social media on Friday. 

“What happened there tonight is deeply painful,” she wrote. “A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also commented on the incident: “This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”

Just after 11 p.m., Tisch identified the suspect as 46-year-old Larry Montes, a Bronx resident.

Montes faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.

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They allege that it is a gathering of young people similar to the one that occurred after the Dominican National Day Parade on Sunday, August 9. Following the end of the parade on Sixth Avenue, thousands flooded Dyckman Street and the surrounding area, clogging traffic and vandalizing businesses.

The first time was after the Dominican Day Parade in the Bronx. Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa sent a strong message on Friday.

“We will not tolerate you treating our community the way we saw last Sunday, where there were hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to our cars in the community, to our small business owners and even a young man lost his life,” De La Rosa said.

Authorities are preparing to deal with possible unrest.

“We’re going to have 700 police officers in the area, and Dyckman Street is going to be closed from one end to the other,” the councilwoman continued.

Last weekend, more than 25 cars were damaged in the area; some were used to climb onto the roof of a gas station, which was used as a dance floor.

Half a mile away, a fight left two people stabbed; one of them, a Long Island resident, lost his life.

The chaos also impacted local businesses, many of which had to clean up litter on Monday.

“They destroyed a lot of property and affected businesses,” said Axel Gutiérrez, an employee of a local business. “Hopefully that won’t happen again this week.”

Telemundo 47 and NBC New York reached out to the New York City Police Department for comment and are awaiting a response regarding the security plan, but area leaders have confirmed that they are in contact with authorities and that there will be an increased police presence this weekend.

The slithering serpent was found by construction superintendent Pier Bueno Tuesday morning as he approached the worksite he supervises on West 95th Street.

“I have come across with some other rodents — raccoons and rats and stuff. But never a snake,” said Bueno. “It was pretty scary. Especially when i saw the officer try to take the snake out of the piping.”

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Citizen App video showed the snake under mesh covering before it somehow made its way into a scaffolding pope. Officers with the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit used water and banged on the scaffold to force the reptile out from its hiding spot.

Officers did eventually free the snake and secured it in a cloth bag. It was not clear how the snake ended up on the sidewalk, or in the middle of the city, but it was enough to give a scare to those who live in the neighborhood.

The Animal Care Centers of New York City said the animal is a water snake. It appeared to be molting, or shedding its skin, which according to experts would explain why it was in the pipe: Snakes are known to rub up against rough surfaces and hide while shedding their scales.

The NYC ACC said the snake has since been named Pillow. The group is looking for a new home outside of the city for the reptile.

The annual program creates space for outdoor fitness, family activities, art installations and live music.

“I love it, it’s a really fun way to be a part of the community, learn about the different things going on,” said Michael Crawbuck, an attendee.

“We’re loving it. Everything is great, the weather is good,” said Nata Sternbach, another visitor.

New York City Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said the program has grown significantly since it began. “This is our second year going essentially the whole length of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge up to Inwood,” said Flynn.

Flynn said the city expects crowds similar to last year’s turnout.

“We had around a half a million people last year in Manhattan, so we’re expecting something similar to that this year,” said Flynn.

“I just did six (miles) and I might continue on my way home,” said Crawbuck.

“Listen to this great music,” said Sarah Valentina of the Honk Family Band. “If people are inspired to dance and play music with us, they’re welcome.

“There’s a really cool art booth,” Crawbuck noted “I was just chatting with some artists there.”

“Culture and sports and together. It’s great,” added Sternbach.

“It’s an amazing day, being outside with the entire family. We went running before,” added Ron Sternbach.

Summer Streets in Manhattan will continue the on next two Saturdays. After that, the event will head to Brooklyn and the Bronx.

The program came to Queens and Staten Island last weekend.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.

The trophy, adorned with ornaments and other items around its base—including a WWE championship belt—first appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 13.

The golden monument, designed by the anonymous art collective Secret Handshake, sits just a few blocks from the Manhattan courthouse where Trump faced his hush money trial in 2024.

A plaque at the trophy’s base emphasizes his “enthusiastic involvement in the Iran War.”

“We hereby award President Donald J. Trump this participation trophy for his enthusiastic involvement in the Iran War,” the plaque reads. “While some concern themselves with military strategy, diplomacy, or measurable outcomes, President Trump demonstrated the courage to participate regardless of the final score.”

The installation will remain on display throughout the week.

The artist said they hope New Yorkers will continue to help the collection grow, noting, “No accomplishment is too distant, too small, or too unearned to bestow on President Trump.”

There have been 82 cooling towers test positive for the Legionella bacteria as of Wednesday. Of those, the building facing the most violations is 1520 York Avenue, according to city officials.

That building, on the corner of East 80th Street, received nine violations and was fined $9,000 for failing to follow the new city rules requiring Legionella testing every 31 days, city officials said. That rule took effect in May.

The building also did not have the required plan in place to maintain its cooling tower.

These violations are in the most serious category, considered a public health hazard.

The operator responsible for the cooling tower at the building told NBC New York they only recently took over operation of it and are working to make sure every rule is being followed. That includes hiring multiple companies to test and clean the cooling tower, as well as installing new tech to ensure safety.

The operator stated that the property managers bore some responsibility because they were previously in charge of maintenance of the cooling tower when some of the violations occurred. The management company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Of all the cooling towers in the area that tested positive, the Health Department found issues with 60% of them, according to the city. The full list of violators is expected to be announced Thursday.

Of the 110 violations issued, 15 buildings received at least one public health hazard, officials said. Multiple buildings, including 1520 York Avenue, got more than one public health hazard violation.

Another 50 are critical violations, which include failing to report the results after testing. There were also general violations, like conducting testing but sending in the results late.

The only building that received more violations than 1520 York Avenue was a residential building that had an unregistered cooling tower, according to the Health Department. That tower tested negative for the Legionella bacteria, however.

Building owners face fines of $2,000 per month for failing to report their Legionnaires’ test results. Owners looking to appeal their fines can do so at a city OATH hearing.

It was not clear exactly how many buildings have received violations, nor was it known which tower or towers made people sick. That information will come from final DNA results expected in August, according to city health officials.

The Health Department said it tested more than 180 cooling towers in the area. Officials said all the towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.

As of Wednesday, 92 people had been sickened with Legionnaires’ disease as a result of the Upper East Side cluster, six of whom were still in the hospital. The city has said it is confident the source of the outbreak has been eliminated, as no new cases have been reported since mid-July.

The historic Macy’s location at Herald Square recently began exterior renovations to remove the iconic red shopping bag sign that adorned the southeast corner of the store, which famously takes up an entire city block.

Rising several stories tall, the giant red sign had been a fabric of the city’s retail skyline for more than 60 years before crews began the removal process last week.

The absence of the red-and-white shopping bag reveals a bit of history: a reported holdout building dating back to the early 1900s.

It’s not clear how long it will be before the department store is sporting a new exterior.

A Macy’s spokesperson called the sign “has been a recognizable part of the 34^th St. experience and a symbol of our deep roots in New York City. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the current sign – while beloved – is outdated and is being removed as part of broader updates by the billboard owner to modernize the space.”

The spokesperson went on to say the store will announce new branding for the flagship that “honors our heritage while reflecting the future” of the company.

Raul Morales, 51, allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” as he attacked the two victims near Central Park, witnesses told the police department. On Friday, police said he faced hate crime charges for the attacks.

The first victim, a 57-year-old Asian man, was walking near West 84th Street and Central Park West just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday when a man came up from behind him and stabbed him in the back without warning, police said. Minutes later, the suspect stabbed a 50-year-old Jewish man in the chest on the sidewalk of West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Morales was initially arrested Friday on hate crime charges related to the Jewish man but not the other. He was arraigned later that day and charged with attempted murder and assault as hate crimes related to both victims.

As Morales was led out of a police station Friday evening, he shouted about seeking justice for someone. When reporters asked about the stabbings, he responded that he was “gonna talk about it” as he was ushered into a police car.

The stabbings happened about two blocks apart in broad daylight, police said. Both victims were taken to a hospital and were expected to survive. One of the victims was discharged from Mount Sinai Morningside late Friday afternoon.

“We are praying so much that things don’t get worse that he will really really hoping that he will fully recuperate, We really hope,” said Naba Silton, a friend of the victim who was released.

Silton said the suspect simply walked away after attacking.

“After he plunged the screwdriver into his chest, the guy walked off and pretended he was a regular Joe and said oh, ‘I think someone is hurt, and call 911,'” said Silton.

The department had been working since Thursday to determine a motive. There wasn’t immediately any known link between Morales and the victims, and the initial investigation suggested that mental health may have been a factor in the attacks, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

After the charges against Morales were announced, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “thankful that [Morales] is being held accountable and hope he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This kind of despicable violence is not who we are as a city. Every New Yorker deserves to be safe, regardless of their religion or race.”

Earlier on Friday, the mayor was asked if his comments that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested.

“I think first and foremost, to make clear, that there’s no tolerance for anti-Semitism or hatred of any kind in this city. This is a city that believes in the beauty and the breadth of all of its five boroughs and everyone who calls it home,” said the mayor. “And when anyone is perpetrating that kind of a bigotry, that kind of a hatred, it will be held fully accountable in this city.”

Morales remained in police custody Friday. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

A delivery driver who was in the area at the time helped lead police to Morales. He told NBC New York he followed the suspect inside an apartment building after the alleged attacks, and even rode an elevator up with him to help get as much information as possible for police to find him.

“I went up with him in the elevator and pretty much got off at the floor. To see where he lived and gave the information to the dispatcher that was on the phone with me at the time,” said the driver, who did not wish to be identified. “I just didn’t want this guy to get away.”

The driver said he heard Morales yell the Arabic phrase and that he was armed with a screwdriver.

Hate crimes in New York City have been on the rise in recent years, while overall violent crime rates have dropped, according to police data. Tisch said in April that more than half of all confirmed hate crimes in the city so far this year targeted Jewish people.

Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X she was “disgusted” by what she called “another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish.” Ninety minutes later, she added that “Asian New Yorkers, like Jewish New Yorkers, have endured waves of hate-fueled violence in recent years.”

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a post she was “sickened and furious” by the incident.

Update 07/27: This story has been updated to reflect that the suspect, Raul Morales, was charged with attempted murder and assault as hate crimes related to both victims. He was initially arrested Friday on hate crime charges related to the Jewish man, but not the other victim. Those charges were later updated.

A 57-year-old man was walking near West 84th Street and Central Park West just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday when a man came up from behind him and stabbed him in the back without warning, police said.

The suspect continued walking to 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, where minutes later, he allegedly stabbed a 50-year-old man in the chest.

Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai Morningside, where police described their conditions as “stable,” but no further details about their respective conditions were shared.

The suspect was seen by a witness walking into a building on Amsterdam Avenue a few blocks away. An hour later, police arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with the stabbings. No other individuals were being sought, according to a post by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on X.

The police commissioner added that, according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.

“While the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor,” the post by Tisch read.

While a motive for the stabbings was not clear, the NYPD was looking into whether it may have been a potential hate crime. One of the victims is Asian, the other is Jewish.

Tisch said there was no known link between Morales and the victims, and the victims did not appear to know each other.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the stabbings “horrifying” and praised officers for their quick response to the scene.

“These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city,” the post by Mamdani read.

Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X she was “disgusted” by what she called “another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish.” New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a post she was “sickened and furious” by the incident.

“While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent. The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity,” said Menin.

An investigation is ongoing.

The suspects punched and kicked the older adult throughout his body before fleeing the scene near West 46th Street and Seventh Avenue at around 6 a.m.

The victim was taken to Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center in stable condition.

The New York Police Department has released photos of the five young assailants and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit tips by visiting the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.

The new video obtained by NBC New York came from a surveillance camera that appears to capture the entire fiery attack.

It begins with the suspect, 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, appearing to pull his cart along the sidewalk in front of the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza Monday morning. He set up a large fireworks dispenser, capable of rapidly firing off dozens of rockets.

Moments later, he is seen on video igniting the fireworks and setting off numerous flares, according to officials. The tube shooting off the projectiles toppled over.

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Arson charge lodged against ex-Army soldier in fiery attack on Manhattan federal building

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As the fireworks are seen going off in all directions along Worth Street, some people in the distance can be seen taking cover. Meanwhile, two others seem to walk right by, barely batting an eye — a truly Olympic level of minding your business that would perhaps only be seen in New York, where residents are used to coolly ignoring outlandish things happening in front of them.

Then Arrabaca appears to take out a pellet gun rifle and allegedly fired it down the block at pedestrians, sending all running for cover. That’s when 911 calls started to come in, the NYPD said.

As the video continues, Arrabaca can be seen with what investigators said was a canister of gasoline. He ran to the steps leading to the entrance of the federal building, pours the gasoline, and a fire erupts. As the flames continued to burn, feds say Arrabaca returned to his cart to apparently grab additional fireworks. He then hurled additional devices into the flames to try to set off more small explosions, prosecutors allege.

The first security and police officers arrived at that time. A guard grabbed Arrabaca and began to struggle with him. Other officers ran up the block and helped pin the suspect down, all as the fire raged.

Three people sustained minor injuries, including a person who had an immigration court hearing at the building. According to federal prosecutors, Arrabaca plotted the attack for months and considered striking other New York City targets.

After he was arrested, officials said Arrabaca had additional fireworks and weapons — such as knives, axes, a hammer and a machete — with him. The response by security and police ended the threat.

Arrabaca, a former U.S. Army and National Guard soldier, faces federal arson-related charges. His defense attorney suggested that he be sent to a locked ward at a Veterans Health Administration facility for a mental health evaluation, but the judge ordered an in-jail evaluation.

The building houses offices for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and other federal agencies and has been a hub of protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Officials said Arrabaca was toting an anti-ICE sign and made “anti-government and anti-American statements” as he was being arrested.

He went to upstate New York to buy weapons and Pennsylvania to buy fireworks, prosecutors said. At Arrabaca’s hearing Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky said he was “quite clearly ill.”

Arrabaca was living in his car and slept in a park the night before the attack, prosecutors said. In 2020, he was prescribed medication for a mental health condition, but he stopped taking it about a year later.

Arrabaca repaired Patriot missile systems while in the Army from 2001 to 2004. He also served a year in the New York Army National Guard. He had no deployments and left the Army as a specialist, an Army spokesperson said.

Associated Press reporter Safiyah Riddle contributed to this report.

“We have identified 74 cases of Legionnaires’ disease associated with the cluster, 8 people remain hospitalized, 51 have been discharged from the hospital, and three people have sadly died,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Out of respect for their personal privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information about their passing.”

The first death was announced Friday, and the second was announced Saturday.

“While we continue to investigate cases and closely monitor those in the hospital, we have not identified anyone with new symptoms for more than a week, and we are not seeing any concerning trends in emergency department surveillance data,” Martin said in a statement.

Adding to hopes that the outbreak may have peaked, Martin reiterated, “We believe the source of exposure has likely been eliminated due to our aggressive remediation and enforcement efforts. We will continue inspecting every cooling tower that tested positive and will hold accountable any owner who fails to comply with our public health laws.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria that thrives in warm, stagnant water. Health officials have focused on testing cooling towers that are part of air conditioning systems for large buildings. Property owners have been ordered to drain and disinfect towers where there has been a positive test result.

Health officials have not pinpointed a source for the current outbreak.

Legionnaires’ disease is treatable but 10% of people will die due to complications from the illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last year, seven people died and more than 100 were sickened during an outbreak in Harlem.

“We advise anyone who has spent time in the three affected ZIP codes — 10028, 10075, 10128 — to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms, as Legionnaires’ disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure,” the statement added. “We will continue to keep New Yorkers updated on the details of this investigation. The most up-to-date information is available on the Health Department’s website.”

The latest death comes as the number of new cases has significantly dropped since the first week of July and officials say the source of the exposure “has likely been eliminated.”

The city’s health department confirmed the second death late Saturday, just two days after reporting the first death as a result of a cluster found on the Upper East Side.

“We are heartbroken to learn that another New Yorker has lost their life to Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side. Our deepest condolences are with their loved ones as they grieve,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. 

“While we mourn this loss, the data are also encouraging. Our aggressive strategy of testing, enforcement, and remediation appears to have stopped the source of exposure.”

As of Saturday night, 72 people had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease as a result of the outbreak, nine of whom were still hospitalized. Nearly 50 people had required hospitalization after falling ill.

Earlier in the week, city health officials said new diagnoses had been slowing. The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported progress on inspections for the disease-causing bacteria, finding traces in dozens of buildings including the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a Democrat and Upper East Side resident, complained that the Health Department wasn’t doing and disclosing enough. Menin said Wednesday she planned to hold a Council hearing to examine the city’s handling of the outbreak and “demand accountability.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and can spread in building cooling systems, hot tubs and showerheads. In many cases, people contract the disease by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water; Legionnaires’ disease doesn’t spread person-to-person.

The illness is treatable, but it is fatal in about 10% of cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seven people died and more than 100 were sickened during an outbreak last year in Harlem. The sources turned out to include cooling towers — devices sometimes used for cooling large buildings — at a city-run hospital and the site of the city’s public health lab.

Health officials are working to identify the origin of the Upper East Side outbreak, which was first identified on July 2 from two cases in close proximity. The investigation expanded to encompass three heavily residential ZIP codes.

The city said Tuesday it has inspected all 183 cooling towers in the area, and about 75 of them came up positive on first-round tests that don’t distinguish between live and dead bacteria.

Those buildings include the Met Museum, according to a list the city released Tuesday. The storied museum said it was working on the required cleanup and follow-up testing. It’s normally closed Wednesday and canceled the day’s few activities to ease the cleaning.

City officials said last week that they got positive tests at the Guggenheim Museum, private schools, Park and Fifth Avenue apartment houses, and more.

Most already finished the required cleanups, which entail draining and disinfecting the cooling towers, Martin said. The remaining buildings were supposed to be completed by Thursday.

Martin said the city acted with unprecedented speed in ordering cooling tower cleanups after the first-round tests. In the past, he said, officials awaited results from second-round tests for live bacteria. Those tests take about two weeks.

Menin, the Council speaker, contends the city should have demanded cleanups throughout the area right away, without waiting for any tests.

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