A man from the Bronx has been charged with hate crimes following an attack during Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Police officials reported that Larry Montes, 46, was apprehended after disrupting the service, attacking a congregant, and assaulting a security officer.
New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Antisemitism remains the most reported bias category in the city. Last year, 330 antisemitic incidents were logged, accounting for 57 percent of all suspected hate crimes, as noted by the NYPD.
The Incident
The disturbance began around 6:10 p.m. on Friday. As security tried to remove Montes, he allegedly attacked a congregant, vandalized property, and assaulted a security team member. An NYPD sergeant, working a paid detail at the synagogue, quickly detained him. Police assured there were no additional threats, but extra resources were deployed as a precaution.
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that a 63-year-old woman sustained minor injuries during the altercation. Montes, from the Grand Concourse neighborhood, faces multiple charges, including assault as a hate crime, criminal mischief, disruption of a religious service, and aggravated harassment.
Central Synagogue expressed gratitude for the support received after the event. They commended their security team and the NYPD in a statement: “Thanks to our security team. Thanks to Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD. We continue to gather for meaningful Judaism every week.”
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
Witnesses recounted chaos inside the synagogue. WCBS News showed footage of congregants scrambling while a security guard restrained Montes. Susan Roane, a congregant, recalled hearing a loud noise, mistaking it for a gunshot. Arlynn Greenbaum described the suspect as unarmed but “ranting and full of hate.” Services resumed once the suspect was detained.
Officials Condemn the Attack
Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, spoke with the synagogue’s rabbi, expressing relief over the absence of severe injuries. Tisch, who attended Central Synagogue in her youth, stated, “A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attack on X, calling it “appalling” and affirming that Jewish New Yorkers have the right to worship without fear. She expressed gratitude that the suspect was in custody and no serious injuries occurred.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, despite previous tensions with the Jewish community, called the incident “horrifying” and reaffirmed the right for New Yorkers to observe their religion safely. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the rise of antisemitism, insisting on the importance of ensuring safety in worship places.