Raul Morales, 51, was arrested Thursday following two stabbing attacks in Manhattan’s Upper West Side neighborhood that police are investigating as potential hate crimes. The incidents, which occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Central Park, left two men injured—a 57-year-old Asian man and a 50-year-old Jewish man—both of whom are expected to survive, officials said.

According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Morales allegedly shouted “Allahu akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is greater,” during both attacks. The two victims were stabbed at separate locations a few blocks apart.

Morales faces multiple charges relating to the stabbings. In connection with the 57-year-old Asian victim, he is charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. For the 50-year-old Jewish victim, he faces charges of murder as a hate crime, assault as a hate crime, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. By Friday evening, Morales had not yet been arraigned, according to a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Commissioner Tisch noted that Morales has no known prior history of mental health issues with law enforcement, though she added that the initial investigation suggests mental health may have played a role in the attacks. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed gratitude that Morales is being held accountable for his actions.

Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the attacks to determine the full motive and whether they meet the legal criteria for hate crimes. The police department has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation proceeds.