Threat Against US Attorney in Albany
In a disturbing incident earlier this week, a US attorney in New York faced a serious threat from a man wielding a knife in downtown Albany, underscoring the risks that criminals pose to the community.
On Tuesday night, just before 10 PM, John Salcone, a federal attorney assigned to the Upstate District of New York, was leaving his office. He found himself near the Hilton hotel, enjoying a cigar and taking in the surroundings.
“I saw him, and then I noticed him yelling something I couldn’t understand,” Salcone recalled, later explaining how the encounter unfolded. According to reports, the man approached Salcone, brandished a knife, and charged at him.
“We take these things seriously. It doesn’t matter who you are, be it a US lawyer or just someone living on the block,” he added.
Seeking safety, Salcone entered the hotel lobby and contacted Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple. However, he returned outside to confront the man again, which escalated the situation further.
“I didn’t want him to get away,” Salcone admitted. “He turned and started yelling again, showing the knife and mimicking a throat-cutting gesture.” In a shocking turn of events, Salcone retreated back to the hotel, while the man eventually stopped and moved away.
Law enforcement responded quickly, and the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Saul Morales Garcia, was arrested. Sheriff’s reports confirmed that Morales Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was unlawfully in the United States.
While Salcone was unharmed, the seriousness of the situation was evident at a subsequent court hearing where Morales Garcia faced severe charges: second-degree attempted murder, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second-degree blackmail. He is set for another court hearing next week.
“It’s critical to recognize the severity of these incidents,” said District Attorney Lee Kindlon. “Whether you’re a federal attorney or just an ordinary citizen, the threats are real.”
During investigations, Morales Garcia asserted he was unaware that Salcone held a federal position. His public defender argued against the attempted murder charges, pushing for probation instead of detention. However, the judge mandated that he remain in custody without bail.
Morales Garcia has a lengthy criminal record both in the US and worldwide, including a felony conviction in El Salvador and a past deportation. Reports suggest he’s been involved in legal troubles across at least three states, with an active warrant for his arrest.
In April 2022, he had DUI charges and was caught driving without a license in Georgia, adding to his extensive criminal history. His whereabouts and the outcomes of these cases remain unclear.
Political responses have arisen from the incident, with one New York Congressman stating, “No one is safe in Kathy Hochul’s New York.” He highlighted concerns over public safety, bringing attention to Hochul’s executive orders that he believes prioritize undocumented immigrants over resident safety.
Governor Hochul issued a response that seemed generic, insisting on her commitment to building a safer community, even as public concerns mounted.
John Salcone, appointed by US Attorney General Pam Bondy in March, previously worked on legal matters for President Donald Trump’s campaign. His recent ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement and legal officials must navigate every day.
