A man accused of stabbing two strangers near New York City’s Central Park shouted “God is greatest” in Arabic during both attacks, prompting police to investigate whether the assaults were motivated by hate, authorities said Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Raul Morales, 51, was arrested after a search on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Investigators are also examining whether mental illness played a role in the violence.
New York police have launched a hate crime investigation after a man allegedly attacked two people in separate stabbings near Central Park while shouting a religious phrase. Both victims survived, and authorities say detectives are examining witness statements, physical evidence and the suspect’s mental condition to determine a motive.
What We Know So Far
The first attack occurred at about 1:30 p.m. near West 84th Street and Central Park West, where police said a 57 year old Asian man was stabbed in the back without warning.
Minutes later, a 50 year old Jewish man was attacked near Amsterdam Avenue and West 86th Street after leaving synagogue services. Investigators said he was stabbed in the torso with what is believed to have been a screwdriver.
Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Police later tracked Morales to a nearby New York City Housing Authority apartment, where he was taken into custody after barricading himself inside. Officers recovered a knife and a screwdriver believed to have been used in the attacks.
Authorities said there is no evidence that either victim knew Morales or that the victims knew each other.
What Authorities Are Saying
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said detectives are evaluating witness and victim statements indicating Morales shouted “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is greatest,” during both assaults.
Tisch said investigators are determining whether the attacks meet the legal standard for hate crimes while noting that preliminary findings suggest mental illness may also have contributed to the suspect’s behavior.
She added that Morales has no documented mental health history with the NYPD, although investigators continue reviewing his background.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised officers for their swift response and confirmed that police are investigating both possible hate crime elements and mental health issues.
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attacks, saying violence directed at people because of their religion or identity will not be tolerated in New York.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin also denounced what she described as an apparent antisemitic attack and called for a full investigation.
Witnesses Describe Sudden Violence
Witnesses described the attacks as completely unexpected.
A woman who saw the first assault said the victim remained remarkably calm despite having a knife lodged in his back while his wife watched in shock.
Another witness who spoke with the second victim said he reported being struck in the chest before emergency crews arrived.
Members of Manhattan Shomrim, a volunteer neighborhood security organization, responded to assist after receiving emergency calls from residents.
Why This Matters
The investigation comes as New York authorities continue responding to heightened concerns over hate related violence targeting religious and ethnic communities.
Whether prosecutors ultimately pursue hate crime charges will depend on evidence showing that the victims were selected because of their actual or perceived identity. Investigators must also determine whether the suspect’s mental condition affected his criminal intent.
The case highlights the challenge facing law enforcement agencies when incidents involve both possible ideological motivations and signs of mental illness. Legal experts note that the presence of one factor does not automatically exclude the other.
The attacks have also renewed concerns about random acts of violence in densely populated neighborhoods, where city officials continue balancing public safety initiatives with expanded mental health intervention programs.
What Happens Next
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video, interviewing additional witnesses and conducting forensic examinations of the recovered weapons.
Prosecutors are expected to determine what criminal charges should be filed and whether hate crime enhancements are supported by the evidence.
Authorities also are expected to conduct psychological evaluations as part of the criminal case while the NYPD continues investigating the suspect’s motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Sources: Associated Press, New York Post, NBC News
