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‘Allahu Akbar’ screams ring out as NYC stabber targets Jewish man and Asian victim near Central Park

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BS BRIEF:

  • NYPD says detectives are investigating the attacks as possible hate crimes after multiple victims and witnesses reported suspect Raul Morales allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults. Authorities say mental health may also have been a factor, but the motive remains under investigation.
  • Both victims survived and are expected to recover. One victim, a 50-year-old Jewish man, was stabbed after leaving synagogue on Tisha B’Av, while a 57-year-old Asian man was attacked minutes earlier just blocks away near Central Park.
  • A good Samaritan helped police locate the suspect, who allegedly barricaded himself inside a nearby NYCHA apartment before officers arrested him and recovered both a knife and a screwdriver.

‘ALLAHU AKBAR’ SHOUTED AS RANDOM STABBER TARGETS TWO MEN NEAR CENTRAL PARK, NYPD PROBES POSSIBLE HATE CRIME

NEW YORK — A peaceful Thursday afternoon on Manhattan’s Upper West Side erupted into chaos when police say a 51-year-old man randomly attacked two strangers in separate stabbing incidents just blocks apart, allegedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults.

Police identified the suspect as Raul Morales, who was taken into custody after an intense search that ended inside a nearby NYCHA apartment. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, detectives are investigating whether the attacks qualify as hate crimes while also examining whether mental illness played a role.

“Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive, but according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks,” Tisch said. She added that “the NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime.“

Investigators say the violence began shortly after 1:30 p.m. near West 84th Street and Central Park West, where a 57-year-old Asian man was stabbed in the back without warning. Minutes later, a 50-year-old Jewish man wearing a yarmulke was attacked outside the Jewish Center on West 86th Street after attending Tisha B’Av services. Police say he was stabbed in the torso with what investigators believe was a screwdriver. Both men were transported to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital and are expected to survive.

Witness Nava Silton told reporters the suspect attempted to blend into the crowd after the attack.

“The perpetrator tried to act like a normal person and that he wasn’t involved and muttering someone should call 911. Literally pretending he was not culpable.”

Silton said the wounded synagogue attendee remained conscious after the attack and described him as “an incredible person.”

Michael Jacobs, a member of Manhattan Shomrim, emphasized that the second victim was unmistakably Jewish.

“He was fully identifiable as Jewish. He was wearing a skull cap, a yarmulke, a kippah… Minding his own business, just going to pray.”

Authorities say there is currently no known connection between Morales and either victim, or between the victims themselves. Commissioner Tisch also praised the civilian who alerted officers to the suspect’s hiding place.

“I want to commend the bravery of a good Samaritan who led our officers to the location where the perpetrator was hiding, as well as our NYPD cops who brought an end to the incident without further injuries.”

Political leaders across New York condemned the violence.

Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote that she was “disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish,” adding, “New York will stand with our Jewish community today, tomorrow, and always.“

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the stabbings “horrifying” and confirmed that, according to witness and victim statements, the suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks while thanking officers for making a swift arrest.

The investigation remains active as prosecutors consider formal charges and detectives continue evaluating whether hate crime enhancements are appropriate.

DBS WIRE SOURCES:

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