New York City Antisemitic Stabbing Sparks Criticism of Mayor Zohran Mamdani

New York City experienced a tense atmosphere after an antisemitic stabbing incident on the Upper West Side on Thursday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for prioritizing his housing tax initiative over addressing the stabbing incident in his public communications.

The attack occurred on the Upper West Side, where two men—an Asian man and a Jewish man—were targeted by a perpetrator reportedly uttering “Allahu Akbar.” In a subsequent statement, Mamdani expressed relief that both victims were in stable condition following the assault.

I have been briefed on today’s horrifying stabbings on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witness and victim statements, the perpetrator yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks. I am relieved that both victims are in stable condition,” Mamdani wrote.

The NYPD arrested Raul Morales in connection with both assaults. Mamdani commended the officers for their swift response.

Critics suggested that Mamdani’s views on Israel might contribute to hesitations about supporting Jewish communities. Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council, expressed concern over the incident.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov blamed Mamdani, stating that the attacker yelled “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.

A 57-year-old man was attacked near West 84th Street and Central Park West. He was found with a stab wound to his back, conscious and alert, and transported to a hospital in stable condition. Investigators later discovered another 50-year-old man nearby with a stab wound to his torso. He too was conscious and alert, receiving hospital care.

City officials labeled the violence as an “antisemitic stabbing,” though specifics regarding the motive are not yet determined by police.

The suspect, Raul Morales, remains in custody, as confirmed by the NYPD.

Critics have pointed out Mamdani’s delay in addressing the attack publicly. Instead of addressing the stabbing, he posted about a housing tax plan targeting wealthy New Yorkers with luxury homes, known as the pied-à-terre tax.

In the first quarter of 2026, the NYPD recorded 146 hate crime complaints, with 71 arrests—an increase from 137 complaints and 51 arrests in the same period of 2025.

Mamdani’s office did not provide immediate comment on any factors that might have delayed his response to the incident.

Leo Briceno, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covered this story. He has prior reporting experience with World Magazine.