Two Men have been Stabbed Near Manhattan Synagogue in Suspected Hate Crime

Two men, including an Orthodox Jewish man and an Asian-American man, were stabbed late Thursday night near an Orthodox synagogue on Manhattan's Upper West Side in what New York police are investigating as a possible hate crime.

The victims were transported to the hospital in stable condition and are expected to recover. Police arrested a 51-year-old suspect, identified as Raul Morales, shortly after the attacks.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), both victims and eyewitnesses told investigators that the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the assaults.

Victims Expected to Recover

Police identified the victims as Chuck Song, a 57-year-old Asian-American man who was reportedly stabbed with a knife, and Moshe Yitzhak Grunhaus, a 50-year-old Orthodox Jewish man who was allegedly attacked with a screwdriver.

Authorities said both men suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to be released from hospital.

Police Investigating Possible Hate Crime

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the attacks and confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought.

"The detectives continue to investigate the incident," Tisch said. "Based on statements from the victims and witnesses, the suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during both attacks. The NYPD is investigating whether these assaults constitute hate crimes."

She added that while the suspect has no known history of mental illness, preliminary findings suggest that mental health issues may have played a role in the incident.

"There is currently no known connection between the suspect and either victim, nor between the two victims themselves," she said.

Tisch also praised a bystander who alerted responding officers to the suspect's location, enabling police to arrest him without further injuries.

Community Leaders Express Concern

New York City Council Member Julie Menin described the incident as "an antisemitic stabbing" and said the attack had heightened fears within the Jewish community.

"The fear in the Jewish community is real," Menin said. "Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood regardless of their faith or identity."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly condemned the incident, calling it "a shocking antisemitic attack."

Sa'ar argued that the violence did not occur in isolation and accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of contributing to an atmosphere of hostility through months of rhetoric directed at Israel.

"Words have consequences," Sa'ar said, calling on the mayor to confront antisemitism and take immediate action to protect New York's Jewish community.

Mayor Calls Attack "Horrific"

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had been briefed on what he described as "the horrific stabbing attacks" and confirmed that the suspect had been taken into custody.

"I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition," the mayor said in a statement.

He noted that investigators are examining the possibility of hate crime charges while also considering whether mental health issues may have contributed to the incident.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also condemned the attack and criticized the mayor, arguing that inflammatory rhetoric can contribute to violence against Jewish communities.

He called for stronger action to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish residents in New York.

Governor Reaffirms Support for Jewish Community

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was "horrified" by what appeared to be another attack targeting Jewish residents.

"New York's strength has always been our ability to live together across every faith and background," Hochul said. "Anyone who attempts to undermine that will face the full force of the law. New York stands with our Jewish community today, tomorrow, and always."

The NYPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks, including whether prosecutors will pursue hate crime charges against the suspect.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or video evidence to contact investigators as the case moves forward.