Double stabbing in New York City being investigated as possible hate crime | New York

New York police are investigating a double stabbing near Central Park as a possible hate crime. Commissioner Jessica Tisch he said on Thursday.

Suspect Raul Morales allegedly stabbed a 57-year-old Asian man in the back and then stabbed a 50-year-old Jewish man in the torso with a screwdriver, according to a New York police department spokesman. Police claimed Morales shouted “Allahu Akbar” before the stabbings. The attacks took place approximately two blocks away and in broad daylight in Manhattan’s affluent Upper West Side neighborhood.

Despite initial reports that both men were Jewish, the Asian victim was not. According to Times of Israel.

Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

New York police were evaluating whether the suspect’s actions were caused by a mental health issue.

“Although the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation indicates that mental health may have been a factor,” Tisch said in a statement about X. “There is currently no known connection between Morales and any of the victims, or between the victims and each other.”

Morales, 51, returned to his home after the stabbings. According to the New York Times. An NYPD spokesman said a witness followed him and told police which building the suspect entered.

“I want to recognize the bravery of a good Samaritan who led our officers to the perpetrator’s hideout,” Tisch wrote in his post.

Zohran Mamdani wrote to x He said he was “relieved that both victims are in stable condition.”

“These hateful and vile attacks have no place in our city,” the New York mayor wrote.