US attorney in Albany narrowly escapes knife attack by undocumented migrant, blames New York’s sanctuary policies.

US Attorney Targeted in Knife Attack Near State Capitol

A top federal prosecutor for the Northern District of New York narrowly avoided serious harm this week after being attacked by an undocumented migrant while walking to the State Capitol building in Albany. John Sarcone III recounted the incident, saying he became alarmed by a man’s erratic behavior nearby before realizing he was in danger.

“I could have easily just kept walking,” Sarcone said. “But I sensed that there was danger here.” The man, later identified as Saul Morales-Garcia, a 40-year-old migrant from El Salvador, began shouting in a foreign language and then allegedly pulled out a knife, charging at Sarcone on the street. The attorney ran into a nearby hotel and contacted local authorities, fearing the suspect could pose a danger to others if not apprehended.

After calling the sheriff, Sarcone returned outside in an attempt to keep the suspect in the area. “I went to the sidewalk to try to keep him in the area and I yelled out. And he turned around. He yelled back. And then he came back at me,” Sarcone described. The suspect reportedly made a threatening gesture by dragging the knife across his own neck, which Sarcone interpreted as an intent to kill. Morales-Garcia was arrested at the scene and now faces charges including attempted murder, felony weapons possession, and menacing.

Attorney Links Attack to Sanctuary City Policies

Following the incident, Sarcone criticized New York’s sanctuary city policies, arguing that such laws contribute directly to increased risks for the public and law enforcement. He shared his concerns with Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who reached out to express sympathy and support after the attack. “She was very sympathetic and concerned. And I said to her, I said, 'Look, the sanctuary cities aren't working,'” Sarcone recounted.

The knife attack comes at a time of heightened debate over state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New York, challenging the state’s Protect Our Courts Act, which prohibits federal immigration agents from making civil arrests in or around state courthouses. Federal officials argue that the law impedes immigration enforcement and allows individuals who pose a threat to public safety to evade lawful detention.

Supporters of sanctuary policies say the laws are intended to protect immigrant communities and encourage cooperation with law enforcement without fear of deportation. Critics, including Sarcone, argue that such measures limit the ability of authorities to prevent dangerous incidents and keep communities safe.

The attack on Sarcone has reignited calls for reassessing sanctuary city laws as communities debate how best to balance public safety, civil rights, and federal authority. As the legal and political battles continue, state and federal officials are under growing pressure to address concerns over immigration enforcement and community security.