Two stabbed near Central Park as police investigate possible hate crime

Police are investigating whether a double stabbing near Central Park on New York City's Upper West Side was a hate crime after two men were attacked Thursday afternoon.

(NBC)- Police are investigating whether a double stabbing near Central Park on New York City’s Upper West Side was a hate crime after two men were attacked Thursday afternoon.

According to law enforcement sources, the violence began around 1:30 p.m. just steps from a synagogue. Witnesses told investigators the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” before allegedly stabbing a 57-year-old Asian man in the back without warning.

Authorities say the suspect then walked about two blocks before stabbing a 50-year-old Jewish man in the chest just minutes later.

Witness video captured the aftermath of the second attack, showing the victim clutching his chest as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

Law enforcement sources say the suspect fled into a nearby building but was taken into custody about an hour later.

Residents described the attacks as shocking in a neighborhood they consider peaceful and family-oriented.

Police have not announced a motive, but investigators are examining whether the stabbings were motivated by bias. Authorities also said they believe the suspect’s mental health may have been a factor.