A suspect accused of stabbing two men on Manhattan’s Upper West Side has been charged with attempted murder and hate crime offenses, according to the New York City Police Department. Raul Morales, 51, faces multiple charges in connection with two separate attacks that occurred Thursday afternoon.
Morales has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon for the attack on a 50-year-old Jewish man. He also faces hate crime enhancements for this incident. In relation to the stabbing of a 57-year-old Asian man, Morales has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. The NYPD is investigating whether bias played a role in the attacks.
During a perp walk Friday afternoon, Morales was heard yelling messages to reporters, including "Justice for the Romero family" and mentioning an unknown woman by name. Police stated that Morales allegedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" during the attacks.
Authorities said there was no known connection between Morales and either victim, or between the two victims themselves. Both individuals were transported to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Police have indicated that initial findings suggest mental health may have been a factor, though Morales has no prior mental health history with the NYPD.