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Saul Morales-Garcia, a 40-year-old man from El Salvador, is set to appear in Albany City Court this week. He faces charges of attempted second-degree murder after allegedly attacking U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III with a knife on Lodge Street in Albany last Tuesday (June 17). According to authorities, Morales-Garcia, who is in the U.S. illegally, lunged at Sarcone while brandishing a knife and making threats. Fortunately, Sarcone was unharmed as he managed to evade the attack.
CBS6 Albany reports that Morales-Garcia is also facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. He has been remanded without bail and an order of protection has been issued for Sarcone.
Morales-Garcia, who was deported in 2010, illegally re-entered the U.S. in 2021. Since then, he has been involved in several criminal activities across different states, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against him, and federal charges for illegal re-entry may follow.
Sheriff Craig Apple praised Sarcone's actions during the incident, stating that his quick thinking likely prevented further harm. The case has attracted attention due to Morales-Garcia's criminal history and immigration status. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are involved in the ongoing investigation, and Morales-Garcia may face additional federal charges.