In a shocking incident that unfolded in broad daylight, a New York University (NYU) student fell victim to a random stabbing on Thursday. The terrifying attack was carried out by an unidentified assailant who subsequently fled the scene, leaving the victim injured and in distress, according to law enforcement officials and sources.
The 20-year-old film student, who, for privacy reasons, requested to be identified only by his first name, Nicolo, was on a brief lunch break between classes. As he walked southbound on Lafayette Street near East 4th Street, just outside the 404 Fitness building, he suddenly found himself under attack, with the assailant wielding a knife.
Recalling the harrowing incident, Nicolo shared, "I just walked by him... I was on the phone. And then I felt like something right in my back, and I turned around, and I see him holding something, like how you would hold a knife to stab someone, but it looked like a ballpoint pen."
The attacker, whom Nicolo claimed he had never encountered before, was incoherent during the 1:30 p.m. assault. Nicolo stated, "He was screaming the same thing over and over again, but I didn't really understand what it was. But it was probably something profane. Like he was just yelling at me, like I don't know what he was actually saying though."
Following the assault, the suspect swiftly fled the scene, heading south on Lafayette Street, according to authorities.
Nicolo sought medical attention independently and reported on Friday that he was in the process of recovering after receiving treatment for his puncture wounds.
As of Friday, the assailant remained at large. Police have described the suspect as a man with a light complexion and medium build, standing approximately 5-foot-9, with his long hair pulled back into a ponytail.
Nicolo, a sophomore hailing from Los Angeles, admitted that he initially did not consider crime a significant concern when he enrolled at NYU, citing his familiarity with urban environments. However, this traumatic incident has served as a stark reminder to remain vigilant at all times.
Reflecting on the attack, Nicolo said, "It just makes me more cautious, I think, is the big thing. Because like, I think I'm already decently cautious, but now, it's like, 'OK, well, they can also get you from behind.'"