NEW YORK, NY — A 51-year-old man arrested after two stabbings on the Upper West Side is now facing attempted murder as a hate crime, along with several related charges. Police say the case involves attacks on two men, including a Jewish victim who was stabbed after leaving a synagogue and an Asian victim found injured nearby.
Authorities identified the suspect as Raul Morales, who was taken into custody Thursday afternoon. Investigators say they are still working to determine exactly what led to the attacks.
What happened during the Upper West Side attacks?
According to police, one victim was a 57-year-old Asian man who was found stabbed in the back. The second was a 50-year-old man wearing a yarmulke, who was reportedly stabbed in the torso with a screwdriver as he left a synagogue after prayers during a Jewish holiday.
Both incidents unfolded on the Upper West Side and prompted a swift police response. The hate crime allegation is tied specifically to the attack on the Jewish victim, authorities said.
What charges does the suspect face?
Morales has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, attempted murder on two counts, assault as a hate crime, assault on two counts, and criminal possession of a weapon. Police have not said how each count is connected to the separate attacks, but the case now includes both violent and bias-related allegations.
The charges reflect the seriousness of the injuries and the possibility that the assaults were motivated by bias.
What have investigators said about motive?
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said victim and witness accounts indicate Morales shouted “Allahu Akbar” during each attack. Even so, police said a possible motive is still under review.
Tisch also said investigators have found no known connection between Morales and the victims. She added that mental health may have played a role, though the inquiry remains active.
How are community leaders responding?
Jewish and Asian community members joined elected leaders at a rally against hate outside The Jewish Center on West 86th Street. Officials said the attacks have deepened concern about bias-driven violence in the city.
Attorney General Letitia James said antisemitic incidents have been growing in New York City, and that attacks against the Asian community have also risen. New York City Council Member Susan Zhuang called the violence an attack on the wider community, not just the two victims.
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