Raul Morales, 51, faces attempted murder and hate crime charges following two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side that injured a Jewish man and an Asian man, according to police statements released Friday. The attacks occurred roughly two blocks apart near Central Park on Thursday afternoon, leaving both victims with non-life-threatening injuries.
Charges Filed in Upper West Side Stabbings
Police said Friday that Morales is charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon regarding the first victim. For the second victim, he faces charges of attempted murder as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. Sources told NBC New York that the hate crime charges specifically relate to the second victim, who is Jewish.
New York City Comptroller Mark Levine identified the victims during a Friday news conference as Chok Sung and Moshe Yezhak Grunhaus. Rabbi Yosie Levine of the Jewish Center in New York stated that Grunhaus was walking home from shul when the attack happened, just 200 feet outside the Jewish Center. Thursday marked the Jewish holiday Tisha B’av, a solemn day remembering the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and other historical calamities.
Timeline and Police Investigation Details
Emergency responders and law enforcement received calls regarding the first assault at around 1:31 p.m. on Thursday at 84th Street and Central Park West, where officers found a 57-year-old man with stab wounds. A second person, age 50, was subsequently found stabbed about two blocks away at 86th Street and Central Park West, according to police. Both victims were transported to a hospital and were listed in stable condition following the incidents.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that witnesses heard the suspect yelling “Allahu Akbar” during the attacks. Tisch also stated Thursday that investigators found no evidence indicating either victim knew each other or the suspect.
Did You Know? The stabbings occurred on Thursday, which coincided with Tisha B’av, a solemn Jewish holiday observing the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and other historical calamities.
Official Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a statement on X on Friday expressing gratitude that the suspect faces accountability. “I am thankful that he is being held accountable and hope he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mamdani wrote, adding that such violence does not reflect the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific charges against Raul Morales?
Morales is charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon for one victim, and attempted murder as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon for the second victim, according to police.
Who were the victims identified in the attacks?
New York City Comptroller Mark Levine identified the victims as Chok Sung and Moshe Yezhak Grunhaus.
Were the victims’ injuries life-threatening?
No, police confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening and that both victims were hospitalized in stable condition.
How are local communities responding to the safety implications of these attacks on the Upper West Side?
Worth a look