A 51-year-old man shouted “Allahu Akbar” while stabbing two men in New York City on July 23, 2026, with one victim identified as Jewish. The suspect, Raul Morales, was arrested, and the NYPD is investigating whether the attacks were hate crimes, though mental health factors are also under scrutiny.
The stabbings occurred near Central Park, with the first victim, a 57-year-old Asian man, stabbed in the back at 84th Street and Central Park West. The second attack targeted a 50-year-old Jewish man, who was stabbed near a synagogue, according to multiple sources Timesofisrael ABC7 New York jta.org. Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center in stable condition, though one was initially listed in critical condition ABC7 New York.
A Day of Mourning Turned Violent
The attacks unfolded on Tisha B’Av, the Jewish calendar’s saddest day, marked by prayer and fasting. Rabbi Allen Schwartz, whose congregant was among the victims, described the attack as “very scary” and hard to process,
noting the victim had been pierced on the right side of his chest
before losing consciousness Timesofisrael. Witnesses reported the suspect yelling “Allahu Akbar” during both assaults Timesofisrael.
Marianna Ellenberg, a witness, described the scene as “like a movie,” with a man kneeling in the street as a knife protruded from his back. It just kind of reminds you this idea of your safety zone, like nothing is safe,
she said CNN. The second victim was attacked near a synagogue on 86th Street ABC7 New York.
Mental Health, Motive, and a Suspect’s History
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that while Morales has no known mental health history with the department, the initial investigation suggests mental health may have been a factor ABC7 New York Fox News. Morales, who has two 1991 drug arrests and a handful of others that are sealed, was apprehended at an apartment building on Amsterdam Avenue between 88th and 89th, a couple blocks away from the second stabbing scene Timesofisrael ABC7 New York.
Police believe Morales used a blade and a screwdriver in the attack ABC7 New York. The NYPD confirmed there is no known link between Morales and either of the victims, nor between the victims and each other
ABC7 New York.
Reactions and Condemnation
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin described the attacks as appearing antisemitic in nature, calling the violence abhorrent Timesofisrael ABC7 New York Fox News.
Jewish leaders emphasized the broader context of rising antisemitic incidents.
The NYPD continues to evaluate whether the stabbings qualify as potential hate crimes, with detectives working to determine the suspect’s motive Timesofisrael ABC7 New York. Morales has not been charged yet ABC7 New York.
As the city grapples with the violence, the incident has reignited debates over safety. With tensions high and investigations ongoing, the focus remains on the victims and the broader implications for New York’s Jewish community Timesofisrael Fox News jta.org.
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