|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
ALBANY, NY — United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III was the target of a violent knife attack on June 17 while walking in downtown Albany. The alleged assailant, Saul Morales-Garcia, a previously deported Salvadoran national unlawfully present in the United States since 2021, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and other offenses.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Morales-Garcia confronted Sarcone near the Hilton Hotel, brandishing a knife and shouting in a foreign language. Sarcone fled to the hotel lobby, where Morales-Garcia initially disengaged but soon returned, again charging with the knife and making a threatening gesture. Deputies from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office arrived and apprehended the suspect without incident. A knife was recovered at the scene.
Sarcone was physically unharmed but described the incident as life-threatening. “I feared for my life, but I couldn’t let this individual harm and potentially kill others,” Sarcone stated. He credited the swift response of local law enforcement and reiterated his commitment to public safety.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple commended Sarcone’s actions, stating, “U.S. Attorney John Sarcone’s selfless actions likely saved lives.”
Morales-Garcia is currently remanded without bail and faces multiple state charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and menacing in the second degree. An order of protection was issued for Sarcone. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are participating in the ongoing investigation, and Morales-Garcia may face additional federal charges.
Due to a conflict of interest, Sarcone’s office has recused itself from prosecuting the federal immigration offense, and the matter has been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Sarcone, appointed in March, has led a regional effort to support local law enforcement in addressing gang activity, human trafficking, and violent crime. “The citizens of Albany, and visitors who come to Albany, should be able to feel safe walking down our streets,” he said.
Charges Against Morales-Garcia:
- Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon (3rd Degree)
- Menacing in the Second Degree
- Illegal Reentry into the United States (pending federal charges)
Public safety remains the highest priority, Sarcone emphasized, urging continued cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies to combat violent crime.
