New York City police are investigating two stabbings in Manhattan as possible hate crimes.
A single suspect, identified as Raul Morales, 51, has been arrested in connection with both attacks, which took place about two blocks apart on the affluent Upper West Side.
The victims, an Asian man and a Jewish man, were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
According to victim and witness statements, the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during each assault.
Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner, said an initial investigation suggests a mental-health issue may have been a factor and the attacks are also being evaluated as possible hate crimes.
“At this time, there is no known link between Morales and either of the victims, nor between the victims and each other,” Ms Tisch said.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani described the stabbings as “horrifying,” adding that “these hateful and despicable attacks have no place in our city”.
