A man accused of launching a violent antisemitic attack inside a Manhattan synagogue during Shabbos services has been charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly assaulting a congregant, attacking a security guard, and causing damage inside the sanctuary, according to the NYPD.
Police identified the suspect as 46-year-old Larry Montes of the Bronx. Authorities said he entered Central Synagogue, located on Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street, shortly before 6 p.m. Friday and began behaving erratically near the front of the sanctuary while services were underway.
According to law enforcement sources, synagogue security personnel approached Montes and attempted to escort him from the building. Before they could remove him, however, he allegedly punched a 63-year-old congregant in the face.
Investigators said Montes also headbutted and spat on one of the synagogue’s security guards. During the disturbance, he allegedly destroyed two religious candles valued at approximately $20,000.
An NYPD sergeant assigned to a paid security detail at the synagogue quickly intervened and took Montes into custody.
Video from a livestream of the service, later shared on X, captured the chaotic moments as Montes shouted uncontrollably from the front of the sanctuary.
Moments later, the sound of an object shattering could be heard off camera, prompting audible cries from members of the congregation. The footage then showed Montes being escorted down the aisle while yelling and repeatedly thrusting his fists into the air.
Prosecutors charged Montes with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said she had spoken with the synagogue’s rabbi following the attack and expressed gratitude that the incident did not result in more serious injuries.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” Tisch said in a statement.
“There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue,” she added.
Tisch later noted her personal connection to the congregation, explaining that she attended the synagogue as a child.
She said she confirmed with synagogue leadership that “those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well.”
“I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up,” the commissioner wrote.
“In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the attack, describing it as “appalling” and saying she was “grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured.”
“Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear,” Hochul wrote on X.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani likewise denounced the incident, saying he was “horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue.”
“I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city,” Mamdani said.
“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence. This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.”
Attorney General Letitia James also issued a statement following the attack.
“My heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening,” James said.
“The assault during services at Central Synagogue today is appalling and unacceptable,” she added. “No one should feel threatened in their place of worship.”
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is continuing its investigation into the incident.
{Matzav.com}
