Man charged with assault, hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at NYC synagogue

A man was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at a New York City synagogue Friday, striking a congregant and attacking a member of the security team, authorities said.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the man disrupted services at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

The NYPD later identified the suspect as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, and said he was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges.

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“As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and headbutted a member of the security team,” Tisch said in a statement posted 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.”

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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.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also condemned the alleged attack.

“What happened at Central Synagogue tonight is appalling,” Hochul posted on X. “Jewish New Yorkers have every right to worship openly, proudly, and without fear. I’m grateful the suspect is in custody and that no one was seriously injured.”

Tisch said the incident was particularly personal because she grew up attending Central Synagogue.

“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.”