A 46-year-old Bronx man was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday. Police said he struck a congregant, damaged synagogue property, and attacked a security team member while being escorted out. No one was seriously injured, and authorities said there were no known additional threats. The incident remains under investigation.
| 1) | Charges follow alleged disruption during Shabbat services |
| 2) | Police describe the alleged confrontation |
| 3) | Officials respond to the synagogue incident |
| 4) | Security response and investigation continue |
| 5) | Community concerns and the significance of the site |
Charges follow alleged disruption during Shabbat services
Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, was charged after an incident at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan during Friday Shabbat services, according to police. The charges include two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, along with other charges. The allegations have not been adjudicated in court.
Authorities said the case began when Montes allegedly disrupted the service inside the synagogue. The setting and timing heightened concern because the incident occurred while congregants were observing a religious service. Police have not announced a motive beyond the hate-crime allegations or provided further details about what prompted the disruption.
Police describe the alleged confrontation
Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, said synagogue security attempted to escort Montes from the building. During that process, police allege that he struck a member of the congregation, damaged property, and then spit at and headbutted a security team member.
“As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and headbutted a member of the security team.”
An NYPD sergeant assigned to a paid detail at the synagogue intervened and took Montes into custody, Tisch said. The account describes a rapid response by personnel already stationed at the building, but officials have not released additional information about the people allegedly involved or the extent of the property damage.
Officials respond to the synagogue incident
Tisch said no one was seriously injured. People who were hurt were evaluated at the scene and were doing well, according to her statement. She also said she had spoken with the synagogue’s rabbi and that additional NYPD resources had been deployed to the location as investigators continued their work.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was horrified by the alleged assault and emphasized that New Yorkers should be able to practice their religion without fear of violence.
“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.”
Security response and investigation continue
The police response involved synagogue security, an NYPD sergeant working at the site, and additional department resources after the arrest. Officials said there were no known additional threats at the time of the statements. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not indicated whether further charges are possible.
The allegations will now proceed through the criminal justice system. A charge is not a finding of guilt, and any eventual determination will depend on the evidence presented in court. Police have not reported serious injuries, but the alleged conduct has prompted heightened attention to security at the Manhattan house of worship.
Community concerns and the significance of the site
The incident drew particular attention from Tisch, who said she grew up attending Central Synagogue. She described the building as a place associated with comfort and peace and said that a house of worship should not become a crime scene.
Mamdani said the alleged attack could cause pain and fear among the congregation and Jewish New Yorkers throughout the city. His statement and the police deployment reflected the broader concern over preserving safe access to religious services while the investigation determines exactly what occurred.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Larry Montes faces assault and criminal mischief charges designated as hate crimes. |
| 2 | Police said the alleged incident occurred during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue. |
| 3 | No one was seriously injured, according to authorities. |
| 4 | An NYPD sergeant assigned to the synagogue made the arrest. |
| 5 | The investigation continues, with additional police resources deployed at the site. |
Summary
The alleged disruption and assault at Central Synagogue resulted in hate-crime charges against a Bronx man and a police response during an active religious service. Although injuries were not serious and no additional threats were identified, the incident has underscored the importance of security at houses of worship. Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances, while the charges proceed through the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged?
Police identified the defendant as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx.
What charges were announced?
Authorities said Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges.
Were there serious injuries?
No. Police said no one was seriously injured, and people who were hurt were evaluated at the scene.
What happens next?
The incident remains under investigation, and the criminal case will proceed through the court system. The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.