Man arrested after two men stabbed in New York; police suspect hate crime

New York City police have arrested a suspect in connection with two separate stabbing incidents that occurred near Central Park, leaving two men hospitalized. The victims, identified as an Asian male and a Jewish male, were targeted in what authorities are now evaluating as a potential hate crime. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on X that both victims are in stable condition and expected to survive.

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an Asian male and a Jewish male

The suspect, 51-year-old Raul Morales, was apprehended by the NYPD. According to victim and witness statements, Morales allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" during both attacks. "The NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime," Tisch added. She also noted that there is currently no known link between the suspect and either victim, nor between the victims themselves.

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expected to survive

While the investigation into the motive is ongoing, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested in a separate X post that mental health might be a contributing factor, based on initial findings. "These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city," Mamdani stated, emphasizing the city's zero-tolerance policy for such violence. The incident has raised concerns about targeted attacks and the safety of minority communities in the city.

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Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive, but according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks.