A Bronx man is facing multiple hate crime charges after police say he disrupted Shabbat services at a New York City synagogue on Friday, hit a congregant and attacked a member of the security team.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the incident took place at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.
Police identified the suspect as 46-year-old Larry Montes of the Bronx. The NYPD said he was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with additional charges.
A Bronx man was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services and attacking a congregant and security member at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, police said. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
According to Tisch, synagogue security was escorting Montes out when he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and headbutted a security team member.
Tisch said an NYPD sergeant assigned to a paid detail at the synagogue stepped in immediately and took Montes into custody.
No serious injuries were reported, and authorities said the incident remains under investigation.
“I have spoken with the rabbi of the synagogue, and I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured,” Tisch 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.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said no one was seriously injured during the alleged attack at Central Synagogue, which she said was the synagogue where she grew up. (WNYW)
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.
Tisch said the incident was particularly personal because she grew up attending Central Synagogue.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “horrified” by the alleged attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“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.”
