Staten Island Man Allegedly Stabs 3 People, Claims 'Command from Allah'

Taha Almuradi, 21, charged with attempted murder and other offenses after violent rampage in Port Richmond

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Authorities allege that a 21-year-old Staten Island man named Taha Almuradi stabbed three people in a violent attack on March 9, including a 51-year-old neighbor, an 18-year-old woman, and a 50-year-old man. Almuradi allegedly told police he acted on a "command from Allah" to stab the first person he saw. He has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about public safety and mental health issues in the Staten Island community. The defendant's alleged claim of acting on a religious directive has also sparked discussions around the role of mental illness and extremism in violent crimes.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Almuradi allegedly opened the door of a vehicle where a 60-year-old woman was seated and began swinging a knife at her, striking her hand. He then allegedly approached an 18-year-old woman in a car around the corner and poked her with the knife, attempting to stab her multiple times in the abdomen. Almuradi is also accused of chasing a 50-year-old man to the rear of a home on Rumpler and repeatedly stabbing him on various parts of his body.

  • The incidents occurred around 3:10 pm and 3:15 pm on March 9, 2026.
  • About an hour later, Almuradi was inside the 121st Precinct stationhouse when he allegedly made statements to police about the attacks.

The players

Taha Almuradi

A 21-year-old Staten Island resident who has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses for the March 9 stabbing attacks.

51-year-old man

Almuradi's neighbor who was one of the victims stabbed during the incident.

18-year-old woman

A victim who was sitting in her car when Almuradi allegedly attempted to stab her multiple times in the abdomen.

50-year-old man

Another victim who Almuradi allegedly chased and repeatedly stabbed on various parts of his body.

60-year-old woman

The first victim Almuradi allegedly attacked by opening the door of her vehicle and swinging a knife at her, striking her hand.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I listened to a command from Allah to stab the first person I see,”

— Taha Almuradi

“She was in her car. It was in my pocket and I put it in my hand.”

— Taha Almuradi

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 30 whether to order a psychiatric evaluation for Almuradi following his alleged statements to police.

The takeaway

This violent incident has raised concerns about public safety, mental health, and the role of extremism in crimes in the Staten Island community. Authorities will likely focus on determining Almuradi's mental state and whether he poses an ongoing threat to the public.