New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani said Friday that police are investigating two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side as possible hate crimes after witnesses and victims reported that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.
The New York Police Department responded quickly and arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with the two incidents, the city’s mayor said.In a statement published on X, Mamdani said he had been informed of the attacks and confirmed that the two victims were in stable condition.“I have been made aware of the horrific stabbings that occurred today on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witnesses and victims, the perpetrator shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks.
“I’m relieved that both victims are in stable condition,” he wrote on X.“The NYPD responded immediately and arrested Raul Morales in connection with the two assaults, and I am grateful to the officers for their quick response,” Mamdani said.
He added that investigators believe mental health may have been a factor and are also examining whether the attacks could be classified as hate crimes.“The NYPD’s preliminary investigation indicates that mental health may have been a factor.
“They are also evaluating these stabbings as potential hate crimes,” the New York City mayor said.He added, “These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city.”According to the NYPD, Morales allegedly stabbed an Asian man and a Jewish man in two separate attacks that occurred two blocks apart in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses told police that the suspect shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are still working to determine a motive. She said there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims, and the preliminary investigation suggests mental health may have played a role.The two victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Morales remained in police custody Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear whether he had legal representation, the AP reported.Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the attacks, saying New York stands with its Jewish and Asian communities. “Asian New Yorkers, like Jewish New Yorkers, have suffered waves of hate-fueled violence in recent years. Hate rarely stops at one group. New York will continue to confront it wherever it appears,” she wrote on X.Police said the investigation is continuing. More details await.
