Hate Crime Charges Filed After Disturbance at NYC Synagogue

Larry Montes, a 46-year-old resident of the Bronx, faces serious charges after an incident at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. The charges include two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among others. This information was shared by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The disruption occurred during Shabbat services when Montes was escorted out for striking two members of the congregation. According to Tisch, Montes damaged property within the synagogue and physically assaulted a security team member by spitting and headbutting them. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. A police sergeant, who was working as a paid security detail at the synagogue, quickly took Montes into custody.

The attack drew sharp reactions from various public figures. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident, which was livestreamed, as ‘horrifying.’ He emphasized the right of New Yorkers to practice their religion without fear of violence. Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Chuck Schumer also condemned the attack.

“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Following the incident, additional police security was installed, allowing Shabbat services to continue without further disruption. Rabbi Rebecca Thau addressed the congregation, reflecting on how the situation disrupted the peace of the service: “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.”