Two men sustained stab wounds in what is being investigated as a possible hate crime on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Thursday afternoon. Police officials have identified the suspect as 51-year-old Raul Morales. He was apprehended shortly after the attacks, which occurred roughly two blocks apart.
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The incidents took place around 1:30 p.m. with the first victim being identified as Chok Sung, a 57-year-old Asian man. Eyewitnesses reported that Morales approached Sung near Central Park West and allegedly stabbed him in the back with a knife. Following this initial attack, Morales continued northward, where he is said to have stabbed 50-year-old Moshe Yezhak Grunhaus, who is Jewish, in the torso with a screwdriver near Amsterdam Avenue and West 86th Street.
Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where they are believed to be in stable condition and expected to survive their injuries. The alarming nature of these separate attacks raised immediate concerns, prompting investigators to explore the possibility that they may have been motivated by hate. Police officials stated that during both assaults, the suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” a phrase meaning “God is greatest” in Arabic.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that there is no known connection between Morales and either victim, nor between the two victims themselves. Witness reports suggest that a UPS delivery driver played a crucial role in the arrest by following Morales and alerting law enforcement to his whereabouts. Tisch praised the bravery of the bystander, acknowledging their assistance in bringing Morales to justice without further harm.
Public records indicate that Morales had two prior arrests related to drug offences in 1991, however, additional cases involving him have been sealed. Although the NYPD has reported no known mental health history for Morales, Tisch mentioned that early investigations might suggest mental health issues were a contributing factor to the stabbings.
The motives behind the attacks are currently under investigation. Leaders from both city and state levels have condemned the violence, detailing their profound concern regarding safety for all New Yorkers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his relief that the victims were in stable condition, while also denouncing the attacks as “hateful and despicable.” He acknowledged the ongoing assessment of the incidents as potential hate crimes.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared her disgust over what she characterised as a senseless attack based on religious identity. She reiterated the strength of New York’s diversity and noted that anyone attempting to disrupt this harmony would face robust legal repercussions. Hochul voiced her solidarity with the Jewish community, emphasising that they would not be alone during these troubling times.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin echoed similar sentiments, noting that the attacks had created a palpable sense of fear among Jewish residents in New York. She articulated her disgust over what she anticipated to be an antisemitic assault, reinforcing that every individual deserves a sense of safety regardless of their background. Menin expressed gratitude towards the NYPD for their swift action in apprehending Morales and conveyed her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
This incident occurs in the context of rising hate crimes across New York City. According to recent data from the NYPD, the city has already recorded 322 confirmed hate crimes by the beginning of July this year, representing an approximate 8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, attacks against Jewish individuals remain the largest reported category of hate crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to fully understanding the motivations behind these stabbings while continuing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all community members. Public sentiment and heightened vigilance will remain crucial in the wake of these distressing events.