On June 17, United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III experienced a life-threatening situation in downtown Albany when he was attacked by Saul Morales-Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. Morales-Garcia allegedly brandished a knife and yelled in an unrecognizable foreign language as he lunged at Sarcone. The incident occurred shortly after Sarcone left his office.
Sarcone sought refuge in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, while Morales-Garcia initially stopped his pursuit but then began to walk away. Concerned for public safety, Sarcone contacted Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr., and returned to the street to keep sight of Morales-Garcia until law enforcement arrived.
Morales-Garcia allegedly charged at Sarcone again with threatening gestures before being apprehended by sheriff’s deputies. He has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and menacing in the second degree. An order of protection was issued for Sarcone during Morales-Garcia’s appearance in Albany City Court.
U.S. Attorney Sarcone expressed his sense of duty as a federal law enforcement officer and emphasized his concern for public safety: “I felt an obligation to the public as the chief Federal law enforcement officer in the district that includes the city of Albany.”
Sheriff Craig Apple commended Sarcone’s actions: “U.S. Attorney John Sarcone’s selfless actions likely saved lives.” The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with involvement from both the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
Appointed U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York by Attorney General Pamela Bondi earlier this year, Sarcone stressed public safety as a top priority: “Public safety is our highest priority,” adding appreciation for the quick response from local authorities.
To avoid conflicts of interest, prosecution for Morales-Garcia’s illegal re-entry into the country has been assigned to another district attorney’s office.
Sarcone also highlighted his recent efforts across multiple counties within his jurisdiction to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies against crime: “My offer of help has been well-received, and the results have been tremendous in helping these communities get rid of violent criminals.”
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