A horrifying incident of double stabbing has come to light in New York City in the United States, where the attackers reportedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” before stabbing the victims, as confirmed by New York on Thursday (23rd July). Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as a possible hate crime. The attacker has been identified as 51-year-old Raul Morales, who was arrested by the police.
“The NYPD has arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with both assaults, and no other people are being sought. Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive, but according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks. The NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime,” Tisch said in a statement posted on X.
This afternoon, two people were stabbed in separate attacks on the Upper West Side. Both victims — an Asian male and a Jewish male — were removed to Mt. Sinai-St. Luke’s Hospital, and both are expected to survive.
— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) July 23, 2026
The NYPD has arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection…
After carrying out the attack, Morales walked back to his apartment. A witness watched him and alerted the police. Commissioner Tisch thanked the person who informed the police about the attacker’s location. “I want to commend the bravery of a good Samaritan who led our officers to the location where the perpetrator was hiding,” Tisch said in her statement.
The suspect reportedly stabbed two people in Manhattan’s affluent Upper West Side neighbourhood. The stabbings happened two blocks apart; the first stabbing took place at 84th Street and Central Park West, and the second happened at 86th and Central Park West.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the man first stabbed a 57-year-old Asian man in the back with a knife and then stabbed a 50-year-old Jewish man in the torso with a screwdriver.
The victims were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital for medical treatment. They are said to be in a stable condition. The police are assessing the mental condition of the attacker and trying to ascertain his motive behind the attack. The police have found no link between the attacker and the victims so far.
Reports citing police data suggest that there has been a rise in hate crimes in New York City in recent years. Earlier in April, Commissioner Tisch said that more than half of all confirmed hate crimes in the city so far this year targeted Jewish people.
