NEW YORK: Two people were stabbed in separate attacks near New York’s Central Park on Thursday before the suspected attacker was arrested, police said.
The victims, described by New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch as “an Asian male and a Jewish male”, were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive.
Police identified the suspect as 51-year-old Raul Morales, who was taken into custody shortly after the attacks.
“Detectives are continuing to work the case and determine motive,” Tisch said on X. “The NYPD is currently evaluating whether this is a potential hate crime.”
Tisch said the suspect has no record of psychiatric illness in police records.
Mental Health May Have Been a Factor
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said preliminary findings suggested the suspect’s mental health could have played a role.
“The initial investigation suggests that mental health may have been a factor,” Mamdani wrote on X.
“These hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city,” he added, saying both victims were in stable condition.
The investigation into the motive for the attacks is continuing.
