Manhattan suspect arrested after stabbing two men, one identified as Jewish

Police arrested Raul Morales, 51, after two separate stabbing incidents near West 84th Street and Central Park West on Thursday afternoon. Witnesses said the suspect shouted a phrase in Arabic during both assaults. One victim, a 57-year-old man, sustained a wound to his back and was treated at a local hospital in stable condition. A second victim, a 50-year-old man, suffered a torso wound and was also hospitalized in stable condition. The New York City Police Department said the attacks appeared to be linked and are examining whether they qualify as a hate crime. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that, although Morales has no known mental-health record with the department, early findings suggest mental health may have played a role. Mayor Zohran Mamdani briefed the media, confirming the arrests and describing the incidents as “stabbings.” City officials, including the mayor, the city council speaker, and the governor, issued statements condemning the attacks and emphasizing public safety. State and local legislators said they were in contact with investigators and expressed concern for the victims.