A man faces multiple hate crime charges following allegations of disrupting Shabbat services at a New York City synagogue. According to authorities, the incident involved striking a congregant and assaulting a security team member.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that the disturbance took place at Central Synagogue located on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.
The NYPD identified the suspect as 46-year-old Larry Montes from the Bronx. He is facing two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with several other charges.
Police revealed that Montes, a resident of the Bronx, was arrested on multiple hate crime charges after he allegedly disrupted a Shabbat service and assaulted both a congregant and a security member at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
“While synagogue security was removing him from the premises, he attacked a congregant, vandalized property, and later spat at and headbutted a security team member,” Tisch explained in a statement shared on X.
An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the synagogue immediately intervened and took Montes into custody, according to Tisch.
No one was seriously injured, and the incident remains under investigation, Tisch said.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” she said. “Those who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and are doing well. There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said no one was seriously injured during the alleged attack at Central Synagogue, which she said was the synagogue where she grew up. (WNYW)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified” by the incident.
“I am horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue during services today,” Mamdani said.
“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,” he continued. “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,” he added.
Tisch said the incident was particularly personal because she grew up attending Central Synagogue.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified” by the alleged attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants,” she said. “Central Synagogue is where I grew up. 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.”