Man who stabbed 2 near New York’s Central Park yelled ‘Allahu Akbar,’ police say

The New York City Police Department is investigating a stabbing incident that occurred near Central Park on Thursday afternoon. Two men were injured in separate attacks that took place blocks apart on the Upper West Side. Both victims are currently in stable condition at a local hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries.

Authorities have taken 51-year-old Raul Morales into custody in connection with the stabbings. According to reports from the police commissioner, witnesses and victims stated that the suspect shouted religious phrases during the assaults. Police are looking into whether these actions constitute a hate crime, though officials also mentioned that the suspect's mental health may be a factor in the attacks.

City officials, including the New York attorney general and the mayor, have addressed the situation, emphasizing that violence directed at specific communities will not be tolerated. The victims were identified at a news conference as members of the Asian and Jewish communities. Investigators continue to process evidence as they work to determine a clear motive for the violence.

Police credited a bystander for assisting officers in locating the suspect shortly after the incident occurred. Law enforcement agencies state that they have no evidence suggesting the victims knew each other or the attacker. As the investigation remains active, city leaders are calling for calm while pledging support for the affected communities.