NYC Stabbing Suspect Charged With Hate Crimes

Raul Morales, 51, was arrested on Friday and charged with attempted murder and hate crimes in connection with two separate stabbings that occurred on Thursday on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Police accounts indicate that Morales allegedly shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” during both attacks, targeting a Jewish man and an Asian man. Initially, Morales was arrested on hate crime charges related only to the attack on the Jewish victim but was later arraigned and charged with attempted murder and assault as hate crimes for both individuals. Witnesses reported that Morales approached the Asian man from behind and stabbed him with a knife without provocation. Subsequently, Morales walked four blocks and attacked the Jewish man, who was wearing a kippah, with a screwdriver. Both victims were hospitalized and were reported to be in stable condition on Friday. State Attorney General Letitia James addressed the incidents at a news conference, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns for communities. The Jewish victim had reportedly just left a nearby synagogue, the Jewish Center, when he was attacked. A witness followed Morales to his residence after the second stabbing, leading to his apprehension. Morales' court-appointed attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.