The NYPD arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales after two nonfatal daytime stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that investigators are treating as possible hate crimes. Witnesses say Morales attacked an Asian man and a Jewish man and reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar.” Both victims were hospitalized and expected to survive, and early findings suggest the suspect’s mental health may have played a role. City leaders, including Council Member Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul, condemned the attacks.
NYPD Arrests 51-Year-Old After Two Daylight Upper West Side Stabbings Investigated as Possible Hate Crimes
FILE - New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks during a news conference in New York, on March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
A man was arrested Thursday after police say he stabbed two men in separate, nonfatal attacks on Manhattan's Upper West Side that the New York Police Department is investigating as possible hate crimes.
Authorities identified the suspect as Raul Morales, 51. Witnesses told police Morales allegedly attacked an Asian man and a Jewish man and shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” during both incidents.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators were working to determine a motive. There was no immediate sign of a prior connection between Morales and the victims, and early findings suggested the suspect’s mental health may have been a factor, Tisch said.
Morales remained in custody Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear whether he had retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
The stabbings occurred in broad daylight, roughly two blocks apart on the Upper West Side. Both victims were taken to a hospital and were expected to survive, officials said.
City Council Member Zohran Mamdani described the attacks as “horrifying” and said he was relieved both victims were stable. On the social platform X, Mamdani wrote:
“These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the violence and reiterated support for both Jewish and Asian communities, noting both groups have endured waves of hate-fueled attacks in recent years.
Context
Police data show that hate crimes in New York City have risen in recent years even as overall violent crime has declined. Commissioner Tisch noted in April that more than half of the city’s confirmed hate crimes so far this year have targeted Jewish people.
The investigation remains active as authorities seek to confirm motive and review surveillance and witness accounts. Officials also noted that any final determination about hate-crime charges will depend on investigative findings and prosecutorial decisions.
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