New York City, NY – A 29-year-old homeless man was arrested after allegedly attacking multiple people during a violent midday rampage that ended inside the One Vanderbilt skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, according to police and local reports.
Violent Spree in Broad Daylight
Authorities identified the suspect as Jordan Velez, who allegedly began his punching spree around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday on Madison Avenue near East 40th Street. Police say Velez randomly punched a 61-year-old man in the face before fleeing the scene.
Moments later, he allegedly struck a 34-year-old man outside One Vanderbilt, a 73-story skyscraper located at the corner of East 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue.
According to investigators, Velez then entered the lobby of One Vanderbilt — a popular luxury building and tourist destination — and punched a 23-year-old man inside, continuing his unprovoked attacks before being restrained by building security.
Victims and Medical Response
Police confirmed that none of the three victims appeared to be connected to each other. The 61-year-old man was transported to NYU Langone Health, where he remains in stable condition. The two younger victims refused medical attention at the scene, authorities said.
It remains unclear whether the victims were New York residents or tourists visiting the city.
Building Security and Police Response
A spokesperson for SL Green Realty, which owns One Vanderbilt, praised the swift response of both building security and law enforcement.
“SL Green’s on-site security team at One Vanderbilt Avenue worked closely with the NYPD to assist in the swift apprehension of the suspect involved in [Tuesday’s] incident,” the spokesperson said.
Police stated that Velez was arrested roughly 15 minutes after the attacks and has been charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor assault.
Linked to Earlier Coffee Shop Attack
Following his arrest, detectives discovered Velez may have been involved in another assault earlier that same day, around 8:00 a.m., inside Moka & Co., a coffee shop on West 34th Street near Seventh Avenue.
In that case, Velez allegedly punched a 30-year-old stranger in the face, causing redness and pain, police said. He now faces additional charges related to that assault, along with drug possession charges for unspecified substances found on him at the time of his arrest.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities confirmed that Velez has no prior arrests, and detectives are investigating whether he may be connected to any other recent random attacks in the area.
The NYPD continues to review surveillance footage and witness statements as part of the ongoing case.
One Vanderbilt, home to the SUMMIT observation deck offering panoramic city views, was briefly disrupted during the chaos but quickly resumed normal operations after police cleared the scene.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked renewed concern about public safety and the rise in random street assaults across Manhattan, especially in busy tourist and commuter areas.
Many locals have praised the quick work of NYPD officers and building security for preventing further harm.
What do you think about this shocking attack in Midtown Manhattan? Share your thoughts in the comments below — should the city increase patrols in high-traffic areas like One Vanderbilt and Madison Avenue to prevent similar incidents?
