A tense situation unfolded in Times Square Wednesday morning when a man brandishing a six-inch blade was observed approaching musicians amidst a crowd of tourists. Photographer Richard Moore captured the unsettling scene, describing the man, dressed entirely in red, as he moved towards the musicians, seemingly a Romanian band, placing a hand on one of their shoulders. Moore immediately contacted 911, and police arrived 12 minutes later to apprehend the individual. Identified as 22-year-old Deqon Massiah, he now faces charges of menacing, harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon.

This incident comes amid persistent anxieties about crime in New York City. A recent Siena College poll revealed that 70% of city residents fear becoming crime victims, and 87% of New York State residents consider crime a serious issue. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, while acknowledging recent decreases in transit crime statistics, admitted in an interview with FOX 5 New York that he personally experiences concern when family members use the subway.

Times Square has seen its share of concerning incidents, including a slashing and robbery in 2022 and a stabbing on New Year's Eve. These events contribute to the ongoing public perception of safety in the city. While authorities work to address these concerns, incidents like Wednesday's knife incident underscore the complex challenges facing New York City.