Delays in Response to Anti-Semitic Stabbing in NYC
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani remained silent for several hours on Thursday afternoon regarding what has been labeled an anti-Semitic stabbing incident. Instead of addressing the attack, he opted to share information about a housing tax initiative directed at billionaires, despite the ongoing situation drawing attention from other state officials.
In a later statement, Mamdani said, “Today we were briefed on the horrific stabbings of an Asian man and a Jewish man on the Upper West Side. Witnesses reported the assailant shouted ‘Allah Akbar’ during both incidents. Thankfully, both victims are in stable condition.”
He praised the New York Police Department (NYPD) for their swift response in apprehending Raul Morales, the suspect behind the assaults.
However, Mamdani’s delayed reaction stirred concern among some observers. They speculated that his critical stance on Israel—a viewpoint often held by progressives—might be affecting his support for the American Jewish community.
New York City Council member Inna Vernikov expressed strong criticism toward Mamdani, stating, “According to credible reports, the assailant was shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ during the attempted murder. [Mamdani], you have blood on your hands.”
Details about the incident reveal that a 57-year-old man was attacked near West 84th Street and Central Park West just after 1:30 p.m. He sustained a stab wound to his back but was found conscious and taken to a local hospital, where his condition stabilized. Authorities later located another victim, a 50-year-old man with stab wounds to his torso, who was also conscious and taken to a nearby hospital.
Officials characterized the attacks as anti-Semitic, although police have yet to clarify a motive or confirm if the incidents will be investigated as hate crimes.
The NYPD confirmed that Raul Morales is currently in custody.
The attacks prompted immediate backlash and concern from community leaders. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated she felt “disgusted by yet another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they are Jewish.” She added that safety in neighborhoods should be a right for all residents, regardless of their faith or identity.
City Council President Julie Menin echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the real fear in the Jewish community and the obligation to ensure safety for all New Yorkers.
Interestingly, despite the gravity of the attack, Mamdani’s public focus shifted to addressing the recent housing tax plan. He posted about this initiative two and a half hours after the stabbings, stating, “If you own a vacation home worth $5 million or more in New York City, please check your mailbox upon your return because your mail has arrived.”
During the first quarter of 2026, the NYPD received multiple hate crime complaints, indicating a rise in such incidents compared to previous years. Mamdani’s office has yet to comment on the reasons behind the delayed response.
