Bronx Man Charged with Hate Crimes in Manhattan Synagogue Attack

A Bronx resident, Larry Montes, aged 46, is facing hate crime charges following an attack during Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Montes disrupted the service by allegedly assaulting a congregant and a security staff member.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place at around 6:10 p.m. on Friday. Montes allegedly struck a congregation member, caused property damage, and assaulted a security team member. An NYPD sergeant on duty at the synagogue detained Montes swiftly. Police reported that no further threats were known but increased NYPD presence was dispatched to the location.

A 63-year-old woman suffered a minor lip cut and forearm injuries in the incident. Montes, from the Grand Concourse neighborhood, faces multiple charges including four counts of assault as a hate crime and other related offenses.

Community and Official Responses

Central Synagogue expressed gratitude in a Facebook statement, thanking the NYPD and their security team. “We will keep on gathering for joyful, meaningful Judaism with our Central family every week,” the statement emphasized.

Witnesses inside the synagogue described a scene of panic. Video footage from the synagogue’s livestream showed congregants fleeing as security subdued Montes. Susan Roane, a congregant, recounted the fear and confusion, mistaking a loud noise for gunfire. Another attendee, Arlynn Greenbaum, described Montes as unarmed yet filled with anger.

Services resumed shortly after Montes was detained. Officials strongly condemned the attack, with NYPD’s Tisch stating that a place of worship should always be safe. Governor Kathy Hochul called the attack “appalling,” emphasizing the right of Jewish New Yorkers to worship without fear.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the assault, voicing horror and decrying the act as unacceptable in the city. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged the increase in antisemitism, stressing the need for communal efforts to ensure safety in places of worship.