Man accused of hate-motivated stabbings in NYC sent antisemitic texts, pleads not guilty

Raul Morales, 51, faced a Manhattan Supreme Court arraignment for stabbing a 57-year-old Asian man on West 84th Street and, minutes later, a 50-year-old Jewish man exiting a synagogue on the Upper West Side. Both victims suffered serious injuries—a knife embedded in the Asian man’s spine and a collapsed lung for the Jewish victim. Prosecutors disclosed that a phone search revealed Morales had exchanged antisemitic texts and shouted “Allahu Akbar” and “Justice for Islam” before each attack.

After a 50-minute standoff near his NYCHA apartment, he changed clothes and turned himself in. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder as a hate crime. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the case underscores the danger hate crimes pose to community safety, while supporters of the Jewish victim attended the hearing.