Additional Coverage:
- NYC ‘Allahu Akbar’ stabbings suspect’s charges revealed, yells bizarre message during perp walk (foxnews.com)
A 51-year-old man, Raul Morales, has been charged with attempted murder and hate crimes following a stabbing incident on Manhattan’s Upper West Side Thursday afternoon, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed. Morales allegedly stabbed two men while shouting “Allahu Akbar.”
During a Friday afternoon perp walk, Morales was heard shouting “Justice for the Romero family” and mentioned an unidentified woman by name, vowing that “you’re going to remember her name forever.” The significance of these remarks remains unclear.
Morales faces multiple charges related to the stabbings, including attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. One victim is a 57-year-old Asian man, and the other a 50-year-old Jewish man. Charges connected to the Jewish victim include hate crime counts.
Police indicated the attacks were separate incidents occurring near each other on the Upper West Side. Authorities also stated there was no known relationship between Morales and the victims, nor between the victims themselves. The NYPD is investigating whether bias motivated the attacks.
Both victims were transported to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Initial police findings suggest mental health may have played a role, although Morales has no documented mental health history with the NYPD.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attacks as “hateful and despicable,” while Governor Kathy Hochul expressed disgust, noting the apparent targeting of the Jewish community.
This investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.