A 46-year-old Bronx man has been charged with multiple hate crimes following an attack during Shabbat services at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue, authorities announced Saturday.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Larry Montes was taken into custody after allegedly disrupting the Friday evening service, striking a congregant, and assaulting a security staffer. The incident occurred as Montes was being escorted from the synagogue, where he also damaged property and spat at a member of the security team.
Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime, one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, and additional charges including disruption of a religious service, criminal trespass, and aggravated harassment. A 63-year-old woman sustained minor injuries, including a cut to her lip and forearm, while a security guard was also assaulted during the altercation. No serious injuries were reported.
The NYPD deployed additional resources to the area following the incident, and Shabbat services resumed Saturday. Central Synagogue issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support received after the disturbance.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack, calling it “horrifying” and reaffirming that “every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.” Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Sen. Chuck Schumer also issued statements condemning the assault.
Rabbi Rebecca Thau addressed congregants on Saturday, noting the disruption amid the sanctity of Shabbat. “We might want to be focusing on the beauty of our liturgy and the sanctity of Shabbat, and somehow the feeling of the imperfect and cruel world keeps flooding in,” she said.
Police confirmed there are no known additional threats linked to the incident. The NYPD continues to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Incident Details
- Time of Occurrence: Approximately 6:10 p.m. on Friday.
- Location: Central Synagogue, Manhattan.
- Suspect: Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx.
- Charges: Multiple counts, including hate crime assault, criminal mischief, and harassment.
- Injuries: Two individuals sustained minor injuries.
The NYPD has not disclosed further details about Montes’ background or potential motives at this time.