He was wielding a blade.
An undocumented immigrant with a criminal record was arrested after allegedly chasing John Sarcone, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, with a knife outside a hotel in Albany. The suspect, Saul Morales-Garcia, originally from El Salvador, reportedly lunged at Sarcone, forcing him to seek safety inside the hotel. Morales-Garcia then made a threatening gesture toward Sarcone, indicating potential intent to cause harm. Sarcone has served as Trump’s U.S. Attorney and was involved in prosecuting an Iraqi-born immigrant for illegal voting. Morales-Garcia faces several serious charges, including attempted murder and weapon possession, and remains in custody without bail.
Morales-Garcia’s criminal history spans multiple states, including Georgia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, with charges ranging from threats of bodily harm to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. He also has a felony conviction in El Salvador. Federal agents were present during his arraignment, ready to take custody if necessary. Albany’s status as a sanctuary city since 2017, under an executive order signed by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, provides protections for undocumented immigrants, which critics argue may complicate law enforcement efforts.
Republican Representative Elise Stefanik criticized New York’s policies, blaming Governor Kathy Hochul for prioritizing undocumented immigrants over the safety of residents. She pointed to executive orders that protect violent immigrants from deportation and cited data showing thousands of undocumented immigrants housed in taxpayer-funded shelters have faced arrests for various crimes. Stefanik called for stronger leadership to restore law and order in the state.
The case also highlights broader concerns over public safety and immigration policies in New York. In recent incidents, including a deadly attack in the New York City subway, critics argue the state’s approach has put residents at risk. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul has emphasized her administration’s investment in legal assistance for undocumented immigrants and support programs that allow them to work and receive benefits, reflecting the state’s complex stance on immigration issues.
