US Attorney Threatened by Illegal Migrant with Knife in Albany

John Sarcone, the appointed US attorney for the Northern District of New York, recounted an alarming incident involving Saul Morales-Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with a criminal history. Sarcone was outside the Hilton Hotel in Albany when Morales-Garcia, reportedly acting erratically, approached him aggressively, shouting in a foreign language and threatening to harm him.

According to Sarcone, Morales-Garcia lunged at him multiple times and made gestures indicating he would cut his throat with a knife. Sarcone described feeling immediate danger and began to run toward the hotel lobby, at which point the attacker ceased his aggressive behavior and walked away. Sarcone then called law enforcement to report the threat.

While waiting for deputies, Morales-Garcia allegedly charged Sarcone again, brandishing the knife and making a slitting gesture. Sarcone stated he felt an obligation to protect the public and feared for his life, but also recognized the potential risk to others. Officers quickly apprehended Morales-Garcia at the scene.

The suspect, who has been in the country illegally since 2021, was previously deported and has a criminal record across multiple states. He faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. During his initial court appearance, Morales-Garcia was held without bail.

In the aftermath, Sarcone noted that political figures, including the governor, contacted him, with Hochul expressing concern over the sanctuary city laws amid rising tensions and law enforcement challenges related to illegal immigration.