NEW YORK — A New York City man has been charged with hate crimes after authorities say he forced his way into a Shabbat service at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue and assaulted two people as security moved him toward the exit.
Arrest, charges and immediate response
Police identified the suspect as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx. He was taken into custody at the synagogue Friday night by a police sergeant who was working as a paid security detail, officials said. No one suffered life-threatening injuries, and additional security was placed around the house of worship for the following day’s services.
Manhattan police said Montes faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with other unspecified charges. The charges stem from an incident that unfolded as synagogue staff and security tried to remove the man from the livestreamed service.
How the incident unfolded
According to a police statement, synagogue security was escorting Montes out of the building when he struck a congregant, damaged property and then directed further violence at the security team, including spitting and a head-butt. The sergeant on duty subdued and arrested him at the scene; officials reported no serious injuries.
“As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and head-butted a member of the security team.”
The attack occurred during a live-streamed portion of the service, and the rabbi later addressed congregants about the difficulty of balancing sacred ritual with abrupt intrusions by the outside world.
Officials and public reaction
City and state leaders reacted swiftly. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the assault “horrifying” and said in a social media post that "every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence." The attack also drew condemnation from Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer.
At the synagogue, Rabbi Rebecca Thau told congregants that while they would prefer to focus on liturgy and the sanctity of Shabbat, the intrusion of a violent episode made that difficult.
“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,” Rabbi Thau said.
Security and community impact
Central Synagogue conducted additional security measures and continued services Saturday. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns among religious communities about safety during worship, especially in houses of worship that livestream services and may be more visible targets.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the presence of trained security personnel helped prevent further escalation and allowed for an immediate arrest. The police detailed the assault and property damage charges as hate crimes, signaling investigators’ determination that bias motivated the attack.
- Location: Central Synagogue, Manhattan, New York City
- Suspect: Larry Montes, 46, Bronx resident
- Primary charges: Two counts assault as a hate crime; one count criminal mischief as a hate crime; additional charges
- Injuries: No serious injuries reported
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arresting authority | Police sergeant on paid security detail |
| Public responses | Mayor, governor, attorney general, U.S. senator condemned attack |
Investigators continue to review the incident and the circumstances that led to the suspect entering the service. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the full range of charges and whether additional counts may be brought as the inquiry proceeds.
The assault at Central Synagogue adds to a broader national conversation about the safety of religious gatherings and the role of visible livestreaming in both community outreach and vulnerability. For congregants who witnessed the disruption — and for those who observe virtually — the incident served as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing places of worship.
Authorities have urged anyone with further information to contact the Manhattan police precinct handling the case as the investigation continues.
