A Bronx resident facing federal hate crime charges after a violent disturbance inside a Midtown Manhattan synagogue told investigators in a recorded interview that the incident was “all a racial thing” and “all religious motivated,” federal prosecutors said.
Larry Montes, 46, allegedly used antisemitic slurs and other offensive language while speaking with authorities after his arrest, including statements such as, “F— the Jews … It’s racial,” and, “I will never affiliate with no filthy f—— synagogues, either here or in f—— Israel,” according to prosecutors.
The Justice Department said Montes has been charged with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destroying religious property resulting in bodily injury. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Central Synagogue in New York. Larry Montes, 46, was charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly attacking two people during a Shabbat service at the synagogue last week. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur)
Federal prosecutors allege Montes disrupted a Jewish Sabbath service at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan, where roughly 375 people were gathered, by shouting profanities at worshippers and assaulting two individuals.
Authorities said Montes rose during the Shabbat service, began yelling and struck two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents, causing damage. When the synagogue’s head of security tried to escort him out of the sanctuary, Montes allegedly shouted, “F— you people” and “I don’t f— with you people.”
Prosecutors said Montes then hit a female congregant with a closed fist and attacked a security guard who was trying to restrain and handcuff him.
A Bronx man was charged with multiple federal hate crimes after allegedly interrupting Shabbat services and assaulting a congregant and a member of synagogue security at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, police said. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)
He allegedly directed a racial slur at the guard, who is Black, before spitting in his face and headbutting his left eye socket, prosecutors said. Montes also threatened to return to the synagogue at a later date.
In addition to the federal charges, he faces state charges related to the incident. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are doing well.
After the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed shock over the violence.
“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 wrote on X. “Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.”
Montes remains in custody.
