NYPD identifies suspect in Manhattan double stabbing as investigators probe possible motive

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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York Police Department (NYPD) has identified Raul Morales, 51, as the suspect arrested after two men were stabbed minutes apart on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Thursday, July 23.

Investigators believe the attacks were unprovoked and are examining whether they meet the legal standard for a hate crime, while also looking into whether mental health may have played a role.

Both victims survived the attacks and were taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

NYPD said investigators found no known connection between Raul Morales and the victims

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, detectives have not found any known relationship between Morales and either of the two men who were attacked.

She also said the department has no known mental health history involving Morales.

However, based on the initial investigation, detectives believe mental health may have been a factor in what happened.

Tisch said victim and witness statements indicated that Morales shouted "Allahu Akbar" during both attacks.

Detectives are reviewing those statements along with other evidence as they determine whether the case qualifies as a hate crime.

At this stage, police have identified Morales as the only suspect connected to the incidents.

Two men were attacked within minutes before the suspect barricaded himself

According to police, the first stabbing happened shortly after 1.30 pm near West 84th Street and Central Park West, where a 57-year-old Asian man was stabbed in the back with a knife.

Emergency responders rushed him to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

A short time later, officers located a second victim, a 50-year-old Jewish man, near West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Police said he suffered a puncture wound to the torso caused by a screwdriver.  

He was also transported to the hospital and was listed in stable condition.

Following the attacks, authorities said Morales barricaded himself inside an apartment building near Amsterdam Avenue and West 88th Street.

The NYPD Emergency Service Unit responded to the scene and took him into custody after what police described as a brief standoff.

Officials praised quick response as investigation remains ongoing

Commissioner Tisch credited both officers and a civilian for helping bring the incident to an end without additional injuries.

"I want to commend the bravery of a good Samaritan who led our officers to the location where the perpetrator was hiding, as well as our NYPD cops who brought an end to the incident without further injuries," she said.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attacks, saying they appeared to target Jewish New Yorkers.

"The strength of New York has always been our ability to live together across every faith and background," she said.

Authorities confirmed that the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force continues to evaluate the case as detectives work to determine the motive behind the attacks.

Police said the investigation remains active, with investigators reviewing witness accounts, physical evidence and other information before deciding whether hate crime charges are warranted.