A disturbing antisemitic incident unfolded at a Manhattan synagogue on Friday evening, as a man violently interrupted the service. The attacker, described by police as acting with extreme hatred, assaulted a member of the congregation and headbutted a security guard.
Authorities have identified the alleged assailant as 46-year-old Larry Montes, who reportedly stormed Central Synagogue, located at Lexington Avenue and East 55th Street, amidst Shabbat services.
Witnesses reported that Montes approached the front of the synagogue around 6 p.m., behaving disorderly according to law enforcement sources.
Security personnel attempted to remove him from the premises, but not before Montes allegedly punched a 63-year-old congregant in the face, as confirmed by the sources.
In addition to the physical assault, Montes is accused of headbutting and spitting at a security guard, as well as damaging two religious candles, each valued at $20,000.
An NYPD sergeant working a paid detail at the house of worship took Montes into custody.
The alleged antisemite was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement.
“There are no known additional threats at this time, and additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue,” added Tisch, who attended the same synagogue as a kid.
Tisch said she spoke to the synagogue’s rabbi following the incident and confirmed “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.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the assault “appalling” and is “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.
Similarly, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said 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,” Hizzoner 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 said her “heart is with the Central Synagogue community this evening.”
“The assault during services at Central Synagogue today is appalling and unacceptable,” James said on X.
“No one should feel threatened in their place of worship.”