NYPD probes 2 Upper West Side stabbings as possible hate crimes

Police arrested a 51-year-old man after two men were stabbed in separate attacks on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, with investigators treating the incidents as possible hate crimes.

The victims, an Asian man and a Jewish man, were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries after the attacks, which occurred about two blocks apart in broad daylight on Thursday.

NYPD investigates possible hate crime motive

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), suspect Raul Morales allegedly stabbed both victims and shouted the Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar" during each attack, based on witness accounts.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are working to determine a motive. Authorities have not identified any known connection between Morales and either victim.

Tisch added that the preliminary investigation suggests mental health may have played a role in the incidents.

Morales remained in police custody on Thursday evening. It was not immediately known whether he had legal representation.

Mayor, governor condemn attacks

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the attacks as "horrifying" and said he was relieved both victims were expected to recover.

"These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city," Mamdani wrote on X.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the stabbings, expressing support for the city's Jewish and Asian communities.

She said both communities had experienced waves of hate-fuelled violence in recent years, adding that New York would continue confronting hate wherever it appears.

Hate crime cases remain a concern

The NYPD has reported that hate crimes have increased in recent years despite an overall decline in violent crime across New York City.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Tisch said more than half of the city's confirmed hate crime cases had targeted Jewish people.