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The man accused of stabbing two people while allegedly yelling “Allahu Akbar” on Manhattan’s Upper West Side Thursday afternoon has been charged with attempted murder, including hate crime counts tied to one of the victims, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
During a perp walk Friday afternoon, Raul Morales, 51, could be heard yelling “Justice for the Romero family” to reporters, mentioning an unknown woman by name, and vowing, “you’re going to remember her name forever.”
It is unclear who the woman is, and what the possible significance is of the remarks.
According to the NYPD, Morales was being transported to Downtown Manhattan for central booking following the perp walk.
WITNESSES RECOUNT ‘SCARY’ NYC STABBING AFTER SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY YELLED ‘ALLAHU AKBAR’ DURING ATTACKS
Morales faces attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the stabbing of a 57-year-old Asian man, the NYPD confirmed.
In the attack on a 50-year-old Jewish man, Morales has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police said the stabbings appeared to be separate attacks that happened near each other Thursday afternoon on the Upper West Side.
SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY YELLING ‘ALLAHU AKBAR,’ STABBING 2 MEN IN NYC ATTACK
Authorities said there was no known connection between Morales and either victim or between the two victims.
According to police, Morales allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” during the attacks. The NYPD is investigating whether bias played a role.
One victim is Jewish, while the other is Asian, police said.
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Both victims were taken to a hospital in stable condition.
Police said initial findings suggest mental health may have been a factor in the attacks, though Morales had no known mental health history with the NYPD.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attacks as “hateful and despicable,” while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “disgusted” by what appeared to be another attack targeting the Jewish community.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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