A knife-wielding illegal immigrant with a criminal history was apprehended after a reported attempt to assault a Department of Justice prosecutor in Albany, New York. The incident occurred on a busy evening outside the Hilton Hotel, as the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Saul Morales-Garcia from El Salvador, allegedly charged at U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III with a knife.
The confrontation took place on Tuesday, while Sarcone was outside the hotel. According to Sarcone's account, shared with the Albany Times Union, Morales-Garcia began yelling at him in an unknown language and subsequently brandished a knife, making threatening gestures. Sarcone, leveraging his law enforcement lineage instincts, managed to avoid injury by creating distance between himself and Morales-Garcia.
Sarcone's actions allowed him to alert the police while still keeping an eye on the assailant, ensuring he did not escape before authorities arrived. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded quickly, apprehending Morales-Garcia without further incident. The suspect was confirmed to have been previously deported and has a history of law enforcement encounters.
During his arraignment on Wednesday, Morales-Garcia pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail at the Albany County Jail. A grand jury is set to review the case to decide on an indictment.
The attempted attack has not only raised safety concerns but also sparked a political firestorm. Republicans in New York, particularly Representative Elise Stefanik, have criticized Governor Kathy Hochul's sanctuary policies, alleging that they compromise public safety. Stefanik has been vocal on social media, demanding Morales-Garcia's deportation and the governor's removal from office, citing a failure to prioritize New York citizens.
The incident with Morales-Garcia, who claimed to be unaware of Sarcone's role as a U.S. attorney, has reignited discussions about immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in the state. The case is likely to become a focal point in the wider national debate on immigration law and enforcement.
