Man accused of stabbing two people in NYC's Central Park yelled 'Allahu Akbar,' witnesses say

An Asian male and a Jewish male were victims in the attack. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said detectives are working the case to determine a motive.

Published: July 24, 2026 8:42am

Updated: July 24, 2026 8:45am

A man accused of stabbing two people near Manhattan's Central Park on Thursday allegedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" during the assault, according to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. 

An Asian male and a Jewish male were victims in the attack, according to a statement Tisch posted on X. They are in stable condition at the hospital and expected to survive. 

The New York Police Department said Raul Morales, 51, was arrested in connection with the attacks. 

"Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive, but according to victim and witness statements, Morales yelled 'Allahu Akbar' during both attacks," Tisch said, adding that mental health issues may have been a factor in the attack. 

 

 

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