Raul Morales arrested after stabbing two men on Manhattan's Upper West Side during separate attacks

Raul Morales was arrested Thursday after allegedly stabbing two men in separate incidents on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The 51-year-old suspect reportedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" during both attacks, which occurred approximately two blocks apart near Central Park. The first victim, a 57-year-old Asian man, was stabbed in the back near West 84th Street. Minutes later, a 50-year-old Jewish man was stabbed in the chest near West 86th Street. Both men were transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive. Police noted that while Morales has no prior mental health history with the NYPD, initial investigations suggest mental health may have been a factor in the stabbings. The NYPD is currently evaluating whether the incidents constitute hate crimes. While Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the "hateful and despicable" attacks, some community leaders urged the administration to ensure the case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Residents expressed concern over the sudden violence in the neighborhood, noting that the victims did not know each other or the suspect.

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