BROOKLYN, New York â Three men were stabbed in two attacks in Crown Heights early Monday, September 7, as crowds gathered for JâOuvert ahead of Brooklynâs West Indian American Day Parade, according to police.
Multiple people stabbed in Crown Heights as notoriously violent West Indian American Day parade kicks off https://t.co/B57UWBq6V5 pic.twitter.com/zGt3igtd3x
— New York Post (@nypost) September 7, 2026
The attacks happened minutes apart along Utica Avenue shortly before and just after JâOuvertâs scheduled 6 a.m. start. Police were searching for a suspect believed to be connected to all three victims. Authorities had not established that the violence was directly related to the Carnival celebrations.
Three men stabbed in two Crown Heights attacks
The first incident was reported at about 5:48 a.m. near Carroll Street and Utica Avenue.
A 23-year-old man was stabbed in the neck, while a 36-year-old man suffered a stab wound to the face, police said.
About 24 minutes later, at approximately 6:12 a.m., officers responded near President Street and Utica Avenue, where a 32-year-old man had been stabbed in the neck.
All three victims were taken to Kings County Hospital. Later reports indicated that all three were expected to survive, although an earlier account had described the 32-year-old as being in critical condition.
Early reports differed over the total number of victims. One initial account described a fourth man, aged 20, with a chin wound, while subsequent reporting citing police identified three victims across the two scenes.
NYPD searching for suspect
Investigators believe the same person may have carried out the attacks.
The suspect was described as a man with a dark complexion who was last seen wearing gray jeans and a dark T-shirt. He reportedly fled in an unknown direction.
No arrest had been announced in the latest update, and police had not publicly identified a motive.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people ran from the area. Officers established crime scenes around Utica Avenue while investigators searched for evidence and the suspect.
Were the attacks connected to JâOuvert?
Police had not confirmed any connection between the stabbings and JâOuvert or the West Indian Day Parade.
The timing is nevertheless significant. JâOuvert was scheduled from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., placing the first stabbing shortly before the event began and the second only minutes after its scheduled start.
The main West Indian American Day Parade was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. along Eastern Parkway.
Visitors can review the West Indian Day Parade 2026 route and schedule for parade timing, viewing information and travel impacts around Brooklyn.
Thousands of NYPD officers deployed across Brooklyn
The violence unfolded during one of the NYPDâs largest annual security operations.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said thousands of officers would be deployed along the parade routes and surrounding neighborhoods from Sunday night through Monday.
JâOuvert spectators were being screened through 13 controlled entry points using magnetometers. Weapons, alcohol, drones, large bags, backpacks, coolers and several other items were restricted from secured areas.
The city also deployed 337 Crisis Management System staff and community safety volunteers to help identify disputes and prevent confrontations from escalating.
New York Cityâs official Carnival security briefing said authorities had identified no specific or credible threat against JâOuvert or the parade before the celebrations began.
Notting Hill Carnival 2026: Parade Time, Route and What Visitors Need to Know
Why the West Indian Day Parade ends earlier this year
The 2026 parade is scheduled to end promptly at 5:30 p.m., a notable change aimed at reducing safety risks as crowds disperse.
The decision follows violence during the 2025 festivities, when three shooting incidents occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., leaving six people shot.
The earlier cutoff is part of a broader security strategy that includes heavier police staffing, controlled access and greater separation between spectators and the parade route.
Road closures around Eastern Parkway and JâOuvert
Major street restrictions were introduced around Crown Heights for the Labor Day celebrations.
JâOuvert closures affected sections of Flatbush Avenue, Empire Boulevard and Nostrand Avenue. By around 10:30 a.m., Eastern Parkway was scheduled to be fully closed between Utica Avenue and Grand Army Plaza, along with streets feeding into the parade corridor.
People traveling through the area should expect delays, security checkpoints and limited vehicle access. More event-specific details are available in the West Indian American Day Carnival security and visitor guide.
Parade continues as investigation remains active
The stabbing investigation did not cancel JâOuvert or the main parade, which continued with heightened security.
The West Indian American Day Carnival is one of Brooklynâs largest Caribbean cultural celebrations, drawing large crowds for music, costumes, food and community events.
Mondayâs attacks add a serious public-safety concern to the festivities, but police have cautioned against assuming a connection to the Carnival without evidence.
Anyone with information about the Utica Avenue stabbings should contact the NYPD. People witnessing an immediate threat during the celebrations should alert nearby officers or call 911.
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