Police Investigate Stabbings Near Central Park

A man has been arrested in connection with a pair of stabbings that occurred near Central Park, where witnesses reported he shouted “Allah Akbar” during the attacks, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“Two individuals were stabbed in separate incidents on the Upper West Side. Both victims, an Asian man and a Jewish man, were taken to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, and thankfully, they are expected to recover,” Tisch announced on X.

Raul Morales, 51, is currently in custody, and authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects at this time.

It appears the first victim, a 57-year-old Asian man, was attacked near West 84th Street, where he was stabbed in the back around 1:30 p.m. Later, the assailant reportedly targeted a second victim, a 50-year-old man wearing a yarmulke, as he was exiting a synagogue on Amsterdam Avenue, using a screwdriver to stab him in the torso.

“Detectives are still trying to understand the motive behind these attacks, but statements from the victims and bystanders suggest that Morales was shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ when he carried them out,” Tisch stated. “The NYPD is assessing whether these incidents could be classified as hate crimes.”

Interestingly, there is no known mental health history associated with Morales, but initial investigations hint that mental health might be involved.

The police were able to locate Morales after he barricaded himself in a New York City Housing Authority apartment on West Amsterdam Avenue. According to one witness, conversations revealed that the suspect was acting quite strangely, even tweeting that he wasn’t involved and suggesting someone should call 911.

“He was trying to play it cool, but it was a serious situation,” said Nava Stilton, a witness. “I was praying for the victims as I know one of them personally; he’s truly a wonderful person.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the stabbings, expressing frustration over the ongoing attacks targeting Jewish individuals.

“I am tired of what appears to be yet another senseless act against New Yorkers simply because they are Jewish,” she wrote on X. “Our strength lies in our ability to unite across all faiths and backgrounds. Those who seek to divide us will face the full weight of the law.”

Mayor Zoran Mamdani also addressed the incidents, emphasizing the unsettling nature of the attacks.

“I was briefed on the horrific stabbings that occurred today. According to witness statements, the attacker shouted ‘Allah Akbar’ during both instances,” the mayor noted, adding that the NYPD is exploring possible links to mental health issues as well as any hate crime motivations.

As investigations continue, both victims are reported to be stable, and the community is grappling with the implications of such violent acts.