Manhattan woman arrested after allegedly stabbing a rabbi and targeting another Jewish man

In Manhattan Criminal Court, prosecutors presented a complaint accusing Anna Mochalova of stabbing a 26-year-old rabbi with a syringe in Midtown and then confronting a second Jewish man, repeatedly bumping into him and delivering a stinging jab before threatening to shoot him. According to authorities, a third passerby avoided harm after stating he was Muslim. Assistant District Attorney Emily Hong emphasized that the attacks were motivated by the suspect’s belief that the victims were Jewish.

Mochalova’s lawyer, Lila Carpenter, contended that her client has no criminal history, is gainfully employed, and may have been misidentified by police. Judge Linda Capitti set bail at $50,000, citing the seriousness of the alleged hate crimes and surveillance footage. Community coordinator Yitty of Manhattan Shomrim said the community is relieved by the court’s decision but stressed the need for the suspect to receive help.