Maniac who stabbed rabbi with syringe in NYC claims mistaken ID, as prosecutors say she spared Muslim from similar fate

The lawyer for the maniac who allegedly stabbed a rabbi and another Jewish man in two separate attacks just minutes apart in Midtown Manhattan claimed Sunday that her arrest was a case of mistaken identity.

Anna Mochalova faces several charges for the two attacks on Wednesday – including a terrifying instance where she stalked and jabbed a 26-year-old rabbi with a syringe, according to a complaint by the Manhattan DA’s office as hate crimes.

Mochalova targeted a man wearing a yarmulke two blocks just minutes after she allegedly stabbed the young rabbi, prosecutors said in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Mochalova bumped into the man several times, causing a stinging sensation in his right arm, prosecutors alleged – before chillingly telling the man “run away from here. I have a gun. I’m going to shoot you,” according to authorities.

Prosecutors said the madwoman then turned to a third man, who was spared from her harassment because he told her he was Muslim.

“The conduct in these incidents is scary and concerning and the defendant faces serious charges as a result,” Assistant District Attorney Emily Hong said in court.

“She selected both of her targets because she believed them to be Jewish,” the prosecutor said.

But Mochalova’s lawyer Lila Carpenter told the court that the alleged attacker had no prior arrests and is gainfully employed, arguing that “there may be an ID issue” by cops for her client.

“These allegations are concerning. Whether they’re my client’s is a different story,” Carpenter told Judge Linda Capitti.

The judge set bail at $50,000, citing the seriousness of the allegations as well as surveillance video of the alleged attacks.

Yitty, 31, a coordinator with the Manhattan Shomrim, told The Post via video call that the Jewish community is “happy” with the court’s decision.

“You know, having her back outside is just a danger to everybody outside. She needs to get help,” he said.

Mochalova is due back in court on Oct. 29.