The suspect was identified by police as a former member at the museum.
At a press conference on Saturday night, John Miller, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism of the New York City Police Department stated that “this incident is still unfolding.” “We are at an early stage of the investigation.”
Miller stated that the man tried to enter the museum at 4:15 p.m. local. However, Miller denied him entry because his membership had expired in the wake of two incidents involving disorderly conduct at museum events.
After becoming upset, the man jumped over the museum’s desk and then stabbed two employees repeatedly in the back, collar bone, and back of the neck.
Miller stated that the employees were taken to a local hospital in minutes after the attack. Both are expected to be fine.
Miller stated that Miller was speaking out because “this was a quickly unfolding, spontaneous incident.”
According to the NYPD, the identity of the man involved in the incident has been established. Miller said that he was captured on video leaving the museum after the stabbings and that authorities are still searching for him. The description of him is that he was a white male with a black jacket, colorful shirt, and a blue surgical face mask.
On Sunday, police released video that showed a man leaping over the reception desk to stab employees while attempting to flee. According to the NYPD, Gary Cabana, 60 years old, is wanted in connection to the attack.
Museum visitors posted videos to social media showing crowds of people leaving the museum.
Mayor Eric Adams stated via Twitter that he was briefed about the situation and thanked first responders for their “quick help.”
He wrote, “Please avoid the area while Police continue to investigate and if there is any information, please contact NYPD immediately.” “Public safety is our highest priority. This incident reminds us that every community is affected by this work.
