Two men were hospitalized Thursday after they were stabbed in separate attacks in New York City, and investigators are examining whether the incidents may have been motivated by bias after witnesses reported the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults, according to the New York Police Department.
Police arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales shortly after the attacks, as reported by Fox 11.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are working to determine whether the incidents qualify as hate crimes.
According to Tisch, witnesses reported hearing Morales shout “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident after officers located him with the assistance of a bystander.
“While the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor,” Tisch wrote on X.
Authorities said the victims were an Asian man and a Jewish man. Both were transported to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital for treatment.
According to Tisch, neither victim suffered injuries considered life-threatening, and both are expected to recover.
Police said investigators have not identified any relationship between Morales and either victim.
“At this time there is no known link between Morales and either of the victims, nor between the victims and each other,” 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.
The NYPD has arrested 51-year-old Raul Morales in connection…
— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) July 23, 2026
The attacks occurred separately, and investigators are continuing to determine whether the incidents were connected beyond the suspect’s alleged involvement.
Police have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the stabbings or what may have prompted the attacks.
Tisch credited a bystander for helping officers quickly locate the suspect after the incidents.
According to the commissioner, a “good Samaritan” pointed responding officers toward the area where Morales was hiding. Officers then located and arrested him without additional confrontation.
Authorities have not announced any formal hate crime charges. Officials said investigators are reviewing witness statements, physical evidence and other information gathered during the investigation to determine whether bias played a role in the attacks.
The investigation also includes examining whether Morales’ mental state may have contributed to the incidents.
Police noted that Morales had no known mental health history with the NYPD, though Tisch said preliminary investigative findings indicate mental health may have been a factor.
Investigators have not released additional information regarding Morales’ background or whether he has obtained legal representation.
The NYPD said detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence as the investigation remains active.
Officials have not announced when Morales is expected to appear in court or what additional charges, if any, may be filed as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the two stabbings.
