New York authorities have charged a man with hate crimes following an incident at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan. During the Shabbat services, Larry Montes, 46, from the Bronx, allegedly disrupted the gathering and attacked two individuals as security escorted him out.

According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, during the altercation, Montes struck a congregant, damaged property, and then spit at and head-butted a security team member. A police sergeant, hired as additional security for the synagogue, quickly detained Montes. Thankfully, no one sustained serious injuries.

Montes faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. The disturbing events have drawn attention from both local leaders and officials.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the attack during the livestreamed service as ‘horrifying’ and stated, ‘Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.’ This sentiment echoed on social media and found support from Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Sen. Chuck Schumer, who all condemned the attack.

Increased police presence ensured that Shabbat services could continue on Saturday. Rabbi Rebecca Thau addressed the congregation, reflecting on the intrusion of violence amidst worship, ‘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.’ The congregation remains steadfast in its commitment to their faith despite the incident.