World Cup security on high alert following recent violent incidents in US cities

Incidents of Violence Erupt in US Cities Ahead of World Cup

Two separate incidents of violence have occurred in cities hosting the FIFA World Cup in the United States, leaving nine people injured. The incidents took place in New York and Kansas City, Missouri.

In New York, six people were stabbed at Penn Station on Sunday. According to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a suspect is in custody, and all victims are expected to survive. The city’s Comptroller Mark Levine described the suspect as an emotionally disturbed homeless person.

Meanwhile, nine people sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting near England’s World Cup base camp in Kansas City on Saturday. Police have not identified any suspects, but at least three of the victims were taken to local hospitals.

The incidents have raised concerns about safety and security for fans attending the tournament, which begins in three days. The New York City Fire Department reported that the suspect was detained, and the victims were taken to hospital.

Security measures have been enhanced in both cities ahead of the events. In New York, officials had already cancelled an outdoor watch party set for Monday outside Madison Square Garden due to concerns about fan behavior. Kansas City police said there were no suspects in custody at the time of the incident.

The 48-team World Cup is being hosted across 11 US cities, with a sprawling security apparatus overseeing the events. Federal agencies, state and local police departments, and private entities are working together to ensure safety and security for fans and teams.

Source: Al Jazeera