Upper West Side stabbing in NYC: Zohran Mamdani reveals disturbing details of ‘hateful’ attack

mayor of new york city Zoran Mamdani Police said Friday they were investigating two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side as possible hate crimes after witnesses and victims reported the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks. The mayor said the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded quickly and arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection with both incidents.In a statement posted on X, Mamdani said he had been briefed on the attack and confirmed that the two victims were in stable condition.“I have been informed of the horrific stabbings that occurred today on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to eyewitness and victim accounts, the perpetrator shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition,” he wrote on X.“The NYPD responded immediately to arrest Raul Morales in connection with both attacks, and I thank the police for their swift response,” Mamdani said.He added that investigators believe mental health may have been a factor and are also looking into whether the attacks qualify as a hate crime.“The NYPD’s preliminary investigation indicates that mental health may be a factor. They are also evaluating these stabbings as potential hate crimes,” the New York City mayor said.He added: “These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city.”According to the New York Police Department, Morales allegedly stabbed an Asian man and a Jewish man twice in broad daylight, two blocks apart. Witnesses told police the suspects shouted “Allahu Akbar” in Arabic during both attacks.Police Chief Jessica Tish said investigators are still working to determine a motive. She said there was no known connection between the suspect and the victim, and preliminary investigations suggested mental health may have played a role.Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Morales remained in police custody Thursday night. It was unclear whether he had legal representation, the Associated Press reported.Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attacks, saying New York stood with the Jewish and Asian communities. “Asian New Yorkers, like Jewish New Yorkers, have experienced waves of hate-fueled violence in recent years,” she wrote onPolice said the investigation is ongoing. More details are awaited.