NYC Police Investigate Double Stabbing as Possible Hate Crime

New York City police are investigating two separate stabbings that occurred near Central Park as a possible hate crime, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Thursday. The suspect, identified as Raul Morales, allegedly attacked a 57-year-old Asian man and a 50-year-old Jewish man. The attacks took place approximately two blocks apart in Manhattan's Upper West Side neighborhood in broad daylight.

According to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department, Morales is accused of stabbing the Asian man in the back with a knife and subsequently stabbing the Jewish man in the torso with a screwdriver. Police reported that Morales allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" prior to carrying out the assaults. The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation into the incidents. Authorities are examining the suspect's motives and any potential connections to extremist ideologies. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their inquiry. The incident has raised concerns about rising hate crimes in the city.