NYC Mayor: Upper West Side Stabbings Investigated as Possible Hate Crimes

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday said police are investigating two stabbings on Manhattan's Upper West Side as possible hate crimes after witnesses and victims reported that the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" during both attacks. The mayor said the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded quickly and arrested 51-year-old, Raul Morales in connection with both the incidents. In a statement posted on X, Mamdani said he had been briefed on the attacks and confirmed that both victims were in stable condition. "I have been briefed on today's horrifying stabbings on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled 'Allahu Akbar' during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition," he wrote on X. "The NYPD responded immediately and arrested Raul Morales in connection with both assaults, and I am grateful to the officers for their swift response," Mamdani said. He added that investigators believe mental health may have been a factor and are also examining whether the attacks qualify as hate crimes. "The NYPD's initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor. They are also evaluating these stabbings as potential hate crimes," the NYC Mayor said.

"These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city," he added. According to the NYPD, Morales allegedly stabbed an Asian man and a Jewish man in two separate attacks that took place about two blocks apart in broad daylight. Witnesses told police the suspect shouted the Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar" during both assaults. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are still working to determine a motive. She said there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims, and the initial investigation indicates that mental health may have played a role. Both victims were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Morales remained in police custody on Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear whether he had legal representation, AP reported. Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attacks, saying New York stands with its Jewish and Asian communities. "Asian New Yorkers, like Jewish New Yorkers, have endured waves of hate-fuelled violence in recent years. Hate rarely stops with one group. New York will continue confronting it wherever it appears," she wrote on X. Police said the investigation is ongoing. More details awaited.