New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Friday that police are investigating two stabbings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side as possible hate crimes, after witnesses and victims reported that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks. The mayor said the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded quickly and arrested Raul Morales, 51, in connection with both incidents.In a statement posted on Twitter, Mamdani said he had been briefed about the attacks and confirmed that both victims were in stable condition.“I have been briefed on today’s horrific stabbing on the Upper West Side, where an Asian man and a Jewish man were attacked. According to witnesses and victim statements, the perpetrator shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ during both attacks. I’m relieved that both victims are in stable condition,” he wrote on X.“The NYPD responded quickly and arrested Raul Morales in connection with both attacks, and I am grateful to the officers for their quick response,” Mamdani said.He said investigators believe mental health may have been a factor and are also examining whether the attacks qualify as a hate crime.The NYC mayor said, “The NYPD’s preliminary investigation suggests mental health may be a factor. They are also evaluating these stabbings as possible hate crimes.”“These despicable and despicable attacks have no place in our city,” he said.According to the NYPD, Morales allegedly stabbed an Asian man and a Jewish man in two separate attacks, which occurred about two blocks apart in broad daylight. Witnesses told police that the suspect shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are still working to determine a motive. He said there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims and the preliminary investigation indicates mental health may have played a role.Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Morales remained in police custody Thursday evening. It was not immediately clear whether he had legal representation, the AP reported.Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the attacks, saying that New York stands with its Jewish and Asian communities. He wrote onPolice said the investigation is ongoing. More details are awaited.