Stabbing attacks in New York: What we know so far

First responders help victims in the area where 5 people were stabbed at a Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, New York, US, December 29, 2019.

The vehicle of the alleged attacker. Multiple videos on social media showed a large response from law enforcement and emergency services. Witnesses on the ground said the attacker was a "black man" who had a machete and fled in a gray Nissan Sentra.

The target of the attack was the house of a Hasidic Rabbi. At least five patients suffered stab wounds, all Hasidic, and were transported to local hospitals. Photo shows Jewish people trying to take a look of the area the stabbing attacks took place in Monsey, New York, US, December 29, 2019.

A large emergency response team was seen at the crime scene. The victims are congregants, called Hassidim, who gathered for a Hanukkah party, according to US media reports. Hannukah is a Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev (in December), which commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by Israel's enemies. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights.

A mass stabbing attack has been reported at a New York Synagogue on Saturday night. In this photo, Jewish people try to reach the area where 5 people were stabbed at a Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, New York, U.S., December 29, 2019.

Monsey is about an hour north of New York City. US media reported that a man brandishing a machete went into the rabbi's property in Monsey, New York State, an area with a large Jewish population, during a Hanukkah celebration and knifed at least five people before fleeing.

Police respond to the stabbing attacks. US media reported that “a black male entered Rabbi Rottenburg’s Shul, located in the Forshay neighborhood in Monsey, and pulled out a machete. He pulled off the cover and stabbed at several people. One of the victims was stabbed in the chest. The perpetrator then ran out and escaped in a vehicle. His plates were spotted before he left, and the police had reportedly arrested the attacker.

Jewish people try to reach the area where 5 people were stabbed at a Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, New York, U.S., December 29, 2019.

Scene of the stabbing attack: The Orthodox Public Affairs Council for the Hudson Valley region tweeted: “At 9:50 this eve (Saturday), a call came in about a mass stabbing at 47 Forshay Road in Monsey (Rockland County; 30 miles North of NYC). It’s the house of a Hasidic Rabbi. 5 patients with stab wounds, all Hasidic, were transported to local hospitals.”

First responders walk the area where 5 people were stabbed at a Hasidic rabbi's home in Monsey, New York, U.S., December 29, 2019.