Woman Accused of Stabbing Rabbi with Syringe Claims Mistaken Identity
Prosecutors allege the defendant targeted Jewish victims in separate attacks, but her lawyer argues there may be an identification issue.
The legal defense for Anna Mochalova, accused of stabbing a rabbi and another man with a syringe in Midtown Manhattan, asserted on Sunday that her arrest was a case of mistaken identity. Prosecutors contend that Mochalova targeted both individuals because she believed them to be Jewish, with one of the alleged victims being a rabbi.
Mochalova faces multiple charges, including assault classified as a hate crime. The incidents occurred on Wednesday. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's office complaint, Mochalova first attacked a 26-year-old rabbi, then, minutes later, approached a second man two blocks away who was also wearing a yarmulke. Prosecutors stated that Mochalova brushed against this second man multiple times, causing a stinging sensation in his arm, and then threatened him by saying, “run away from here. I have a gun. I’m going to shoot you.”
Authorities also reported that Mochalova approached a third individual, who was spared further harassment after identifying himself as Muslim. Assistant District Attorney Emily Hong described the alleged conduct as "scary and concerning," emphasizing that the defendant allegedly selected her targets based on their perceived Jewish faith.
However, Mochalova's attorney, Lila Carpenter, informed the court that her client has no prior arrests and is employed. Carpenter suggested that there might be an "ID issue" on the part of the police. "These allegations are concerning. Whether they’re my client’s is a different story," Carpenter told Judge Linda Capitti.
Despite the defense's claims, the judge set bail at $50,000, citing the seriousness of the accusations and the availability of surveillance video capturing the alleged attacks. A representative from the Manhattan Shomrim, a Jewish neighborhood watch group, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "You know, having her back outside is just a danger to everybody outside. She needs to get help." Mochalova is scheduled to appear in court again on October 29.