A 25-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing an Australian teenager without provocation at a McDonald's in Manhattan's busy Penn Station area. The incident matters as it highlights safety concerns for tourists and residents in one of New York City's most visited neighbourhoods, prompting the District Attorney to reaffirm that visitors deserve to feel safe whilst enjoying the city.

Juan Mercedes reportedly walked up behind the 19-year-old Australian tourist as he ate with friends at approximately 2am on August 17 and stabbed him in the torso, causing a collapsed lung that required stitches. After the group attempted to flee, Mercedes allegedly pursued a second victim and tried to strike him with the knife but missed. Mercedes was arrested shortly after whilst still holding the knife. He pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday to charges including attempted murder, assault, attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon; his next hearing is scheduled for December 3.