Raul Morales Arrested After 2 Upper West Side Stabbings as NYPD Probes Antisemitic Motive
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Raul Morales Arrested After 2 Upper West Side Stabbings as NYPD Probes Antisemitic Motive
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Summary
Two men, ages 57 and 50, were stabbed in separate attacks near West 84th Street and Central Park West, and police arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with both assaults.
Witnesses and one victim said Morales yelled "Allahu Akbar" during the attacks, and NYPD said one victim is Jewish as investigators weigh whether to classify the case as a hate crime.
Both victims were found conscious and alert with stab wounds — one to the back, one to the torso — and were taken to hospitals in stable condition.
Jessica Tisch said Morales had no known NYPD mental-health history, though the initial investigation suggests mental health may have been a factor; police were also examining whether a knife or screwdriver was used.
The stabbings drew swift condemnation from Gov. Kathy Hochul and local Jewish leaders, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Mayor Zohran Mamdani of fostering a climate in which Jews are targeted.