A 46-year-old Bronx man, Larry Montes, was arrested after disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, damaging property and injuring a 63-year-old congregant. He faces multiple charges—including hate-crime counts—and was arraigned with bail set at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds. Authorities said Montes has sealed arrests and a history of mental health issues, though investigators have found no evidence he targeted any specific individual. City leaders and synagogue officials condemned the attack and the DA requested temporary protection orders for victims.
Bronx Man Arrested on Hate-Crime Charges After Disrupting Shabbat Service at Central Synagogue
Clipped From Video
A 46-year-old man identified by police as Larry Montes of the Bronx was arrested after disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, damaging property and injuring a congregant, New York authorities said.
According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Montes damaged synagogue property, struck at high-value candles, spat at and headbutted a member of the synagogue's security team while being escorted out, and struck a 63-year-old woman who suffered a small cut to her lip and injuries to her right forearm. Video from the synagogue's livestream captured the panicked reaction of worshippers as the incident unfolded.
Montes was arraigned Saturday night in Manhattan criminal court. Bail was set at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said he faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges. If convicted, Montes could face an estimated five to 15 years in prison.
Central Synagogue 652 Lexington Avenue Mid Town Manhattan New York City. Moorish revival style 1872, oldest in continuous use in New York, on September 24, 2009. - Reboredo/ZUMA/Shutterstock
A law enforcement official told CNN that Montes remained seated in the sanctuary for roughly 10 minutes before standing and drawing the attention of security after walking toward an area closed to the public. The official said Montes struck at two candles, each estimated at about $10,000, and then attacked people while reportedly yelling a racial slur. Investigators have said they currently have no evidence that he targeted any specific individual inside the synagogue.
"He was screaming and yelling. I heard a loud pop … We thought it was a gun," said congregant Susan Roane, who witnessed the incident.
Authorities said Montes has several sealed arrests, including some robbery charges, and a documented history of mental health issues. The Manhattan DA's office has requested full temporary orders of protection for the victims involved.
Officials and Community Respond
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack on social media, praising Central Synagogue's security team and the NYPD for their response. Governor Kathy Hochul called the incident "appalling" and said Jewish New Yorkers must be able to worship without fear. Israel's U.N. ambassador also denounced the episode as an antisemitic attack.
Police responded to Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday, August 14. - WCBS
Central Synagogue posted on Facebook that it was grateful for the outpouring of support after the "disturbing events" and that the congregation would continue to gather for Shabbat. Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel and cantor Jenna Pearsall spoke at services the following morning, offering thanks to the security team and a healing prayer for the community.
This incident comes amid a rise in reported antisemitic attacks across the United States; the Anti-Defamation League reported a recent uptick in such incidents, including a record high last year.
The story was reported by CNN and updated with additional information. Reporters contributing to the coverage included David Williams, Emma Tucker and Tina Burnside.
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