Two men were hospitalized after being stabbed near Central Park on Manhattan‘s Upper West Side on Thursday afternoon, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) told Newsweek, adding that a person of interest is in custody.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin called the Upper West Side incident an “antisemitic stabbing.”
The victims, ages 57 and 50, were found with stab wounds near West 84th Street and Central Park West at about 1:31 p.m., the NYPD told Newsweek. Both were transported to a nearby hospital and are expected to survive.
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CBS News’ Anna Schecter reported on X that one of the men was Jewish and wearing a kippah, while the other man was Asian. The NYPD is actively investigating the suspect’s motive.
The stabbing occurred on Tisha B’Av, a day of fasting and mourning in the Jewish calendar.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation posted on X, “Jewish Americans should never have to fear being attacked because of who they are or how they are identify. Authorities must conduct a swift and thorough investigation and Immediately provide enhanced protection for Jewish neighborhoods, schools, synagogues, and community institutions. Every American deserves to live and worship in safety, free from fear and hatred.”
Menin posted on X, “I am absolutely sickened and furious by what appears to be an antisemitic stabbing on the Upper West Side. While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent. The fear in the Jewish community is real.
“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity. We must remain united in condemning antisemitism and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable. I thank the NYPD for its swift response in apprehending the assailant. My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.”
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, co-chair of NYC’s Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, wrote on X that she received reports that the attacker was yelling, “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase translating to “God is the greatest” or “God is greater.”
Newsweek reached out to City Hall via email for comment.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Sam Wilson.