Knife-Wielding Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Confronting DOJ Prosecutor

A knife-wielding illegal immigrant with a criminal past is in custody after allegedly attempting to stab a federal prosecutor in Albany, New York, an incident that has intensified criticism of the state’s immigration policies and renewed calls for deportation enforcement.

The suspect, 40-year-old Saul Morales-Garcia, a citizen of El Salvador who had previously been deported, is accused of confronting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III outside the Hilton Hotel in downtown Albany on Tuesday evening. 

The alleged attack unfolded in public view and ended with Morales-Garcia facing an attempted murder charge.

Authorities say Morales-Garcia began shouting at Sarcone in a foreign language before brandishing a knife and charging toward him. 

“I got my eye on him, then I turn back and I’m in front of the Hilton, and I’m just standing there, and I’m looking at him … and he then starts yelling at me in his language that I don’t understand,” Sarcone told the Albany Times Union, per BizPac Review.

“I’m smoking a cigar. I don’t say anything to him … and then he pulls the knife. He’s lunging towards me, and I’m still standing there with the cigar,” he said.

Sarcone, who is the son of a former Westchester County detective, said his instincts told him to create distance without losing sight of the attacker. 

He entered the Hilton lobby to contact police but returned outside to make sure the suspect didn’t flee. 

“I didn’t want him to get away, and I yelled out at him,” Sarcone said. 

“He turns around, and he starts yelling again … and then he pulls the knife out, and then there’s this (gesture) across his throat thing, like he’s going to slit my throat, and then comes at me again, and I ran back towards the hotel, and then he stopped, and then turned around.”

Deputies from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after the second confrontation and arrested Morales-Garcia without incident. 

Authorities confirmed the suspect had previously been deported and has a record of prior encounters with law enforcement.

During his arraignment on Wednesday, Morales-Garcia pleaded not guilty. He was ordered held without bail at the Albany County Jail.

Prosecutors said a grand jury will examine the case on Friday to determine whether to move forward with an indictment.

Law enforcement sources told local media that Morales-Garcia claimed he was unaware Sarcone was a U.S. attorney at the time of the confrontation.

The case has generated swift political reaction, particularly among Republicans in the state. 

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) called out Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) over New York’s sanctuary policies, blaming her for putting public safety at risk.

“This is Kathy Hochul’s dangerous sanctuary state New York that puts illegals first, New Yorkers last,” Stefanik posted on X. “He must be deported. And Kathy Hochul must be FIRED!”

In a follow-up post, Stefanik wrote, “Three separate times, Hochul signed executive orders to protect violent illegal aliens from deportation.”

“Kathy Hochul puts illegals first and New Yorkers last. We desperately need a governor who puts New Yorkers first and restores law and order to our streets.”

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