A man from the Bronx, New York, is facing federal hate crime charges after a violent disturbance at a Midtown Manhattan synagogue. In a recorded interview with investigators, Larry Montes, aged 46, explicitly admitted that his actions were motivated by racial and religious hatred, according to federal prosecutors.
During the post-arrest interview, Montes allegedly made several antisemitic remarks, including offensive language against Jewish individuals and synagogues. Montes has been charged with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destroying religious property resulting in bodily harm. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, stated the Justice Department.
The incident occurred during a Shabbat service at the Central Synagogue, which was attended by 375 people. Prosecutors allege that Montes disrupted the service by shouting obscenities and physically assaulted two people in the synagogue. He reportedly damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks during the outburst.
While security personnel attempted to remove Montes from the sanctuary, he verbally abused the congregants, saying, “F— you people” and “I don’t f— with you people.” He also struck a female congregant with his fist and attacked a security guard who tried to subdue him. According to the authorities, Montes used a racial slur against the guard, who is Black, and assaulted him further.
Montes has also made threats to return to the synagogue. In addition to federal charges, he faces state charges due to the incident. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the woman and security guard affected by the assault are recovering well.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his shock at the violence, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and safety for every New Yorker. “Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence,” Mamdani wrote on social media. Montes remains in custody as the case proceeds.
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