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'Allahu Akbar' shouted before two Manhattan stabbings? NYPD probes possible hate crime

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 24 Jul 2026

'Allahu Akbar' shouted before two Manhattan stabbings? NYPD probes possible hate crime

Man shouting 'Allahu Akbar' stabs Asian, Jewish men in New York. Photo: Unsplash

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is investigating two separate stabbings that occurred in broad daylight on Manhattan's Upper West Side, with authorities examining whether the attacks may have been motivated by hate.

According to police, one victim is an Asian man and the other a Jewish man. Both were taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in stable condition and are expected to survive.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said witness and victim statements indicate the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" during both attacks.

"The initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor in these stabbings," Tisch was quoted as saying by CNN.

In a post on X, Tisch said: "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."

She added that the NYPD had arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with both assaults and that no other suspects were 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.

"At this time, there is no known link between Morales and either of the victims, nor between the victims and each other," she added.

Police said the victims, aged 57 and 50, sustained multiple stab wounds in what investigators believe were unprovoked attacks. Two law enforcement sources told CNN there was no apparent provocation before the assaults.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incidents as "horrifying."

"I have been briefed on today's horrifying stabbings on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled 'Allahu Akbar' during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition," Mamdani wrote on X.

He added: "The NYPD's initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor. They are also evaluating these stabbings as potential hate crimes. These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city."