New York City police are investigating a double stabbing near Central Park on Thursday afternoon, July 24th, 2026, as a possible hate crime. The suspect, Raul Morales, 51, allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before attacking two men in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

According to NYPD officials, Morales first stabbed a 57-year-old Asian man in the back with a knife, then stabbed a 50-year-old Jewish man in the torso with a screwdriver. The attacks occurred about two blocks apart in broad daylight. Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities said there was no known connection between Morales and either victim, nor between the victims themselves. Police described the stabbings as separate attacks that happened near each other.

Witnesses described the scene as the "scariest thing" they had ever seen. Nava Silton, who spoke to eyewitnesses, recounted that Morales yelled "Allahu Akbar" and stabbed a victim directly in the chest with a screwdriver before walking away and feigning innocence.

After the attacks, Morales reportedly returned to his apartment, with a witness identifying the building to police.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, "While the perpetrator has no known mental health history with the NYPD, the initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor." The NYPD is also investigating whether bias played a role in the attacks.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incidents, saying she was "disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish."

Sources