Double Stabbing in New York Investigated as Possible Hate Crime

New York City police are investigating a pair of stabbings near Central Park as a possible hate crime, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Thursday.

According to an NYPD spokesperson, suspect Raul Morales, 51, allegedly stabbed a 57-year-old Asian man in the back with a knife, then stabbed a 50-year-old Jewish man in the torso with a screwdriver. Morales reportedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" before the attacks, which occurred about two blocks apart in broad daylight in Manhattan's affluent Upper West Side.

Despite initial reports that both victims were Jewish, the Asian man is not, according to the Times of Israel. Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and are in stable condition.

Police are assessing whether mental health issues played a role. "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 tweeted. "At this time there is no known link between Morales and either of the victims, nor between the victims and each other."

After the stabbings, Morales walked back to his apartment, a witness followed him and told police which building he entered, the NYPD spokesperson said. "I want to commend the bravery of a good Samaritan who led our officers to the location where the perpetrator was hiding," Tisch wrote.

City Council member Zohran Mamdani wrote on X that he was "relieved that both victims are in stable condition." New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated, "These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city."