The stabber in the NYC antisemitic attack is a Hispanic man dealing with mental illness
Despite the suspect's mental state, a source familiar with the details tells "Ha-Yom" that it is difficult not to define the event that took place on the Upper West Side as an antisemitic hate crime. Due to the suspect's medical condition, there is a possibility that he will not bear full criminal responsibility.
A development in the case of the antisemitic attack on the Upper West Side of Manhattan: A source familiar with the details told "Ha-Yom" that the suspect in the stabbing is a Hispanic man suffering from mental illness. According to him, due to the suspect's unstable mental state, there is a possibility that he will not bear full criminal responsibility and will not be convicted in the legal process.
However, the source emphasized that even if the suspect's mental state affects the legal proceedings, it is difficult to ignore the circumstances that raise strong suspicions that this is an incident with antisemitic characteristics.
The attack occurred the day before yesterday (between Thursday and Friday) in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan, an area where one of the largest and most prominent Jewish communities in New York resides. One of the victims in the incident, according to reports, was a Jew who was wearing a kippah at the time of the attack.
In addition, the timing draws special attention as the incident occurred on Tisha B'Av.
In the incident, two men, aged 57 and 50, were stabbed in two consecutive attacks. According to a source familiar with the details, one of the victims was Jewish and the other was Asian - contrary to initial reports that both had a Jewish appearance. According to the same source, during the incident, the attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar". The suspect was caught near the scene and is being questioned by the New York Police Department.
The first attack occurred at the intersection of West 84th Street and Central Park West. Shortly thereafter, the second victim was attacked near West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. One of the two was stabbed in the chest and the other in the back. Both were taken to the hospital, and one of them was initially defined as being in serious condition. Later it was reported that their condition had stabilized and that both are expected to recover.
Following the incident, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin defined the event as an antisemitic attack:
"I am absolutely horrified and angry at what appears to be an antisemitic stabbing attack on the Upper West Side. The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity."
Menin thanked the New York Police Department for their quick response and added: "We must remain united in condemning antisemitism and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable. My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones."
In Israel, too, there was a reaction to the incident. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated:
"I am shocked - but unfortunately I am not surprised. This violence did not grow in a vacuum. Months of incitement against the State of Israel helped create a reality in which Jews become a target. Words have consequences. It is necessary to stop the incitement, stand firmly against antisemitism, and act immediately to protect the Jewish community in the city."
