Two stabbed in Manhattan attacks; suspect shouted 'Allah Akbar', NYPD says

Two separate attacks in Manhattan

On Thursday, July 23, two men were stabbed in two distinct incidents in Manhattan. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the victims as an Asian man and a Jewish man. Both were transported to hospital; Tisch said their lives are not in danger. Witnesses reported that the assailant shouted "Allah Akbar" during each attack. Police quickly apprehended the suspect, Raul Morales, 51. There is no indication the victims and the attacker knew each other.

Investigation into motive and hate crime classification

Detectives are working to determine why Morales carried out the stabbings. Tisch stated on X that "investigators are continuing their investigation to determine the motive, but according to statements from the victims and witnesses, Morales shouted 'Allah Akbar' during both attacks." She added that the NYPD is evaluating whether the facts constitute a hate crime. The combination of the religious exclamation and the victims' ethnic backgrounds has prompted the hate crime task force to take a leading role.

The NYPD is currently assessing whether the facts can be considered a hate crime.

Mental health considerations

Although Morales had no prior psychiatric history in NYPD files, Tisch noted that "the initial investigation suggests that mental health issues may have played a role." This does not rule out a hate crime charge, but it introduces a parallel line of inquiry. The suspect remains in police custody as investigators gather more evidence.

Mayor condemns "hateful and odious" attacks

Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded on X, denouncing the violence. He called the attacks "hateful and odious" and said they have no place in New York City. His statement aligned with the police commissioner's framing of the incidents as potentially bias-motivated.

These hateful and odious attacks have no place in our city.

Next steps

The NYPD's hate crime unit is reviewing witness accounts, surveillance footage, and any online activity linked to Morales. Charges are pending. The two victims are expected to recover fully. Authorities have asked the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.