A Bronx man, identified as Larry Montes, 46, was arrested after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan and assaulting a congregant and a security team member. He faces multiple hate-crime charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. An NYPD sergeant on a paid detail took the suspect into custody, and officials say no one was seriously injured. The NYPD has deployed additional resources and the investigation is ongoing.
Man Arrested, Charged With Hate Crimes After Disrupting Shabbat Services at Central Synagogue
Central Synagogue building in New York City
A 46-year-old Bronx man was arrested after authorities say he disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, assaulted a congregant and a member of the synagogue’s security team, and caused property damage, police said.
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.
The New York Police Department identified the suspect as Larry Montes. He was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among additional charges, according to the NYPD.
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.
What Happened
Police said the disturbance occurred during Friday evening services. As synagogue security escorted the man from the sanctuary, he struck a congregant, damaged synagogue property, spat at and headbutted a member of the security team, and otherwise resisted removal.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "horrified" by the alleged attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan.
An NYPD sergeant who was working a paid detail at the synagogue intervened immediately and took Montes into custody. Officials said those who were injured received on-scene evaluations and that no one was seriously hurt.
Official Responses
"I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up. A place of worship should never be a crime scene," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, noting additional police resources were deployed and the incident remains under investigation.
"I am horrified by the assault at Central Synagogue during services today," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, calling the incident painful for the congregation and Jewish New Yorkers across the city and pledging to work to keep residents safe.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote that what occurred was "appalling," adding that Jewish New Yorkers have the right to worship without fear and expressing relief that the suspect is in custody and no one was seriously injured.
Next Steps
The incident is under active investigation by the NYPD. Authorities have not reported any additional threats, and synagogue leadership has been notified and briefed on the situation.
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