A suspect is in custody after two men were stabbed in Manhattan’s Upper West Side Thursday afternoon in what city officials described as an apparent “antisemitic” attack.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) said one of the victims is Jewish and that witnesses reported hearing the suspect yell “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults.
Investigators are evaluating whether the reported attacks should be classified as a hate crime and identified the suspect as Raul Morales, 51, in connection with both assaults.
“Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive, but according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled Allahu Akbar during both attacks,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.Â
The stabbings happened near West 84th Street and Central Park West, an area with a large Jewish community.
“I am absolutely sickened and furious by what appears to be an antisemitic stabbing on the Upper West Side,” New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin wrote in a post on X.
Hours after the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently called on the federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he had been briefed on what he described as “horrifying stabbings” and noted the victims were an Asian man and a Jewish man.
“According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks,” Mamdani said. “The NYPD responded immediately and arrested Raul Morales in connection with both assaults â and I am grateful to the officers for their swift response.”
According to the NYPD, the victims were stabbed in what appeared to be two separate attacks that occurred near one another.
A 57-year-old man was reportedly attacked near West 84th Street and Central Park West just after 1:30 p.m. local time.
Officials said officers found him conscious and alert with a stab wound to his back. He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
Investigators later found a 50-year-old man nearby with a stab wound to his torso. He was also conscious and alert, and was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
Initial NYPD findings suggest that mental health may have been a factor.Â
“While the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor,” Tisch said.Â
WABC reported that police are investigating whether the suspect used a knife or a screwdriver during the alleged attacks.
“While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent,” Menin said. “The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity.”
“We must remain united in condemning antisemitism and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable,” she added. “I thank the NYPD for its swift response in apprehending the assailant.”
New York Assembly member Micah Lasher, a Jewish representative of the area, said he is also in contact with investigators.
“I am in touch with the NYPD and community leaders about the stabbing of two individuals on the Upper West Side today,” Lasher said. “The NYPD responded immediately and has apprehended a suspect. I am praying for the survival and recovery of the victims and will provide more information as I have it.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X saying that she is “disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because theyre Jewish.”
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