NEW YORK – A 51-year-old man yelled “Allahu Akbar” while stabbing two strangers in separate unprovoked attacks on Manhattan’s Upper West Side Thursday afternoon, authorities said, prompting a potential hate crime investigation.
Raul Morales allegedly first approached a 57-year-old Asian man near West 84th Street and Central Park West around 1:30 p.m. and stabbed him in the back. Moments later and a short distance away, he attacked a 50-year-old Jewish man, wounding him in the torso. Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in stable condition and are expected to survive.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed in a statement that Morales yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults, according to victims and witnesses. “The NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime,” Tisch said. She noted there was no known connection between Morales and either victim, and while he has no prior mental health history with the department, the initial investigation suggests mental health may have been a factor.
A good Samaritan helped officers locate Morales, who was arrested after the attacks. No other suspects are being sought.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office in January, said he had been briefed on the “horrifying stabbings.” “These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city,” Mamdani posted. He expressed relief that both victims remain in stable condition and thanked NYPD officers for their swift response.
More Read
The attacks occurred in a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population and several synagogues. One victim was reportedly wearing a kippah and heading toward religious services. Detectives continue to investigate the motive as charges against Morales remain pending.
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns about street safety and rising antisemitism in New York City. Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers.
