Gary Cabana, a 62-year-old man accused of stabbing two Museum of Modern Art employees, is currently in poor health in a New York City hospital, suffering from throat cancer that was diagnosed over a year ago. His lawyer, Arnold P. Keith, is seeking to have the case against him dismissed due to his deteriorating health. Cabana, described as an “artsy kind-of-guy,” allegedly attacked the MoMA workers after being turned away from a screening of a movie on March 12, 2022. He was on the run for several days before being arrested in Philadelphia and charged with attempted murder and assault. Despite the severity of the charges against him, Cabana’s health has significantly declined, making it unlikely that he will be able to appear in court again.
Cabana’s membership to the museum had been revoked prior to the attack due to other outbursts, indicating a pattern of difficult behavior. Surveillance footage captured the moment Cabana jumped over a reception desk and stabbed the MoMA employees multiple times, causing serious injuries that required hospitalization. Prior to this incident, Cabana had a history of violent confrontations, including punching a theater manager and arson charges related to a hotel room fire in Philadelphia. During his time as a fugitive, Cabana was active on social media, posting strange messages and claiming that the MoMA incident was triggered by his desire to see a specific artwork.
According to his attorney, Cabana’s behavior can be attributed to his struggles with mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder. The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated his condition, leading to a breakdown that culminated in the violent acts at MoMA and other locations. Keith believes that Cabana’s actions could have been prevented if he had received proper medication and support for his mental health issues. Despite the undeniable evidence of his involvement in the MoMA attack, Cabana’s attorney argues that his client’s mental state at the time was not conducive to rational decision-making.
Cabana, who has an educational background in the arts and film, is described by his attorney as a “tremendous” person when lucid. However, the combination of mental illness, medication changes, and external stressors pushed him to commit a series of crimes within a short period. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has kept the case open, with the next hearing scheduled for June 5. As Cabana’s health continues to decline, it remains uncertain whether he will ever stand trial for his alleged crimes. The tragic circumstances surrounding Cabana’s descent into violence serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health care and support for individuals facing similar challenges.
