New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism for his delayed response to a suspected antisemitic stabbing that occurred Thursday afternoon on the Upper West Side, as Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials quickly condemned the attack. The incident, which left two men wounded, has reignited concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in the city and raised questions about Mamdani's priorities.
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the attacks took place just after 1:30 p.m. local time near West 84th Street and Central Park West. A 57-year-old man was stabbed in the back and later found conscious and alert, while a 50-year-old man was discovered nearby with a stab wound to his torso. Both victims were taken to local hospitals in stable condition. Witnesses reported that the suspect yelled «Allahu Akbar» during both assaults, and one of the victims is Jewish, according to officials.
The NYPD arrested Raul Morales, 51, in connection with the attacks. Authorities are evaluating whether the incidents should be classified as a hate crime, though a motive has not yet been officially determined. The Upper West Side is home to a large Jewish community, and the attacks occurred on a Jewish day of mourning, adding to the distress among residents.
Governor Kathy Hochul was among the first to respond publicly, posting on X: «Disgusted by what appears to be another senseless attack on New Yorkers simply because they’re Jewish. 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.»
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin also condemned the violence, writing: «A man yelling 'Allahu Akbar' stabbed a man in a kippah at 86th and Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side at 1:30 pm today, then likely stabbed someone else at 84th and Central Park West. Has apparently been caught. On the Jewish day of mourning. In Zohran Mamdani's city.»
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov went further, directly blaming Mamdani for the delay. «According to credible reports I received, the attacker was yelling 'Allahu Akbar' during his attempted murder. I pray for the speedy recovery of the victims. [Mamdani,] you got blood on your hands,» she wrote.
Despite the growing outcry, Mamdani remained silent for several hours after the attack. Instead of addressing the stabbings, he posted about his millionaire housing tax initiative at 3:55 p.m., nearly two and a half hours after the incident. «If you have a second home in New York City worth more than $5M, check your mailbox when you’re back in the five boroughs — because you've got mail. Today, we sent notification letters to property owners, letting them know that our new pied-à-terre tax is coming soon,» he wrote.
Mamdani eventually released a statement acknowledging the attacks: «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. The NYPD responded immediately and arrested Raul Morales in connection with both assaults — and I am grateful to the officers for their swift response.»
The delayed response has fueled criticism from observers who argue that Mamdani's progressive stances on Israel and other issues may be influencing his willingness to support Jewish communities. Some have pointed to his establishment of an antisemitism office, which a Republican lawmaker recently described as a «black hole» lacking public-facing resources.
Data from the NYPD shows that hate crime complaints have risen in the first quarter of 2026, with 146 complaints and 71 arrests, compared to 137 complaints and 51 arrests during the same period in 2025. The increase has heightened tensions in a city already grappling with a surge in antisemitic incidents.
Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether internal factors contributed to the delay in his response. The incident continues to draw widespread attention, with many calling for stronger measures to protect Jewish New Yorkers and ensure swift official condemnation of such attacks.