The fatal migrant stabbing incident at the Randall’s Island migrant center stemmed from a dispute over a woman, law enforcement sources revealed on Sunday.
On Saturday, a 24-year-old asylum-seeking migrant was stabbed to death during a violent altercation at the migrant center.
Law enforcement sources told the NY Post that the conflict began in the shelter’s cafeteria around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and was reportedly over a romantic dispute involving the victim’s girlfriend.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in the victim being attacked by four individuals. During the altercation, one of the assailants, 26, fatally stabbed the victim in the neck and chest.
The victim was transported to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police were able to recover the weapon used in the attack at the scene and apprehended the primary suspect responsible for the stabbing. However, the other three individuals involved in the incident remain at large.
Following the incident, City Hall released a statement, saying, “The incident that happened at our Randall’s Island humanitarian relief center is a tragedy and [is] currently under investigation. At least one alleged person responsible is currently in custody and our security — who acted admirably and professionally in this incredibly difficult situation — is redoubling their efforts to ensure that everyone on site continues to be and feels safe.”
The statement added, “The overwhelming majority of migrants in our care came to our city in search of a better life and the American Dream. The small number of those disrupting that journey for the rest of the migrants in our care by acting violently will face enforcement to the fullest extent of the law.”
The stabbing event followed a chaotic episode at an East Village migrant intake center, resulting in two arrests and minor injuries to two police officers. The incident occurred amidst a line of 400 asylum-seeking migrants around 8:30 a.m. outside the center on East Seventh Street near Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan.
Witnesses reported that the altercation began when an individual, attempting to cut into the queue, accidentally spilled coffee on others, sparking the confrontation. The ensuing scuffle led to minor knee and facial injuries for the involved officers.
