A man has been formally charged with several hate crimes after he allegedly interrupted Shabbat services at a New York City synagogue on Friday, assaulting a worshipper and attacking a security team member, according to law enforcement officials.
Incident Details and Charges
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the individual disrupted services at Central Synagogue, located on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) later identified the suspect as Larry Montes, a 46-year-old resident of the Bronx.
Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other related charges.
Commissioner Tisch detailed the events in a statement shared on social media. She stated that as synagogue security attempted to escort Montes from the premises, he allegedly struck a congregant, caused damage to synagogue property, and then spit at and headbutted a member of the security staff.
An NYPD sergeant, who was working a paid detail at the synagogue, immediately intervened to take Montes into custody.
Official Responses and Community Impact
Commissioner Tisch assured the public that no one sustained serious injuries. Those who were hurt received evaluations at the scene and are reportedly recovering well. The incident remains under active investigation, with no additional threats identified at this time. As a precautionary measure, the NYPD has deployed additional resources to the synagogue.
"I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I'm relieved that no one was seriously injured," Commissioner Tisch stated. "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."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his strong condemnation of the incident, highlighting the distress it caused.
"I am horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue during services today," Mayor Mamdani declared. "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. Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."
Mayor Mamdani further emphasized the city's commitment to safety, stating, "This despicable act has no place in our city, and our administration will do everything in our power to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe."
Personal Connection Emphasized
Commissioner Tisch also shared a personal connection to the Central Synagogue, revealing that she grew up attending services there.
"I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants," she explained. "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."
