ALBANY, N.Y. — A high-profile federal prosecutor was nearly stabbed this week just steps from the state Capitol — a confrontation that’s now fueling a political firestorm over New York’s sanctuary policies.
John A. Sarcone III, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, was walking through downtown Albany when a man pulled a knife and lunged at him multiple times, miming a throat-slitting gesture. The man, later identified as Saul Morales‑Garcia, 40, was quickly arrested by sheriff’s deputies.
Sarcone dodged the attack, took shelter inside a nearby hotel, called for help, and briefly returned to check that others were safe.
Sarcone remarked that had he not intervened, “he was going to kill somebody.”
Who Is the Attacker?
Morales-Garcia is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who had been previously deported. Authorities say he has a criminal history spanning multiple states. He now faces serious charges:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Menacing
He’s being held without bail, with prosecutors citing his past deportation, outstanding interstate warrants, and high flight risk. ICE and the FBI have been notified.
“Random” — But Not Without Fallout
Law enforcement officials say the attack appears to have been random. Morales-Garcia reportedly told investigators he had no idea Sarcone was a federal attorney.
Still, the incident is lighting up political debates.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and other critics are pointing to the attack as yet another example of what they describe as the dangers of New York’s sanctuary policies. The fact that Morales-Garcia had prior run-ins with the law — yet remained on the streets — is raising serious questions. Stefanik herself recently confronted Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) over the Empire State’s lax immigration enforcement.
Bigger Picture: Public Safety and Immigration
This isn’t just about one attack on one man. It’s about how repeat offenders like Morales-Garcia slip through the cracks.
The incident adds fresh pressure on policymakers amid growing public concern over the intersection of crime, immigration, and accountability.
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