A firefighter confronted a pro-Palestinian protester wearing an Elmo costume near the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Friday. Video showed the firefighter calling the protester anti-American during a heated verbal exchange. The incident occurred as ceremonies were being held to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The FDNY said the person in the video was not and had never been a member of the department.

The video was recorded near Ground Zero and circulated online after being posted by a conservative activist organization. The person in the Elmo costume was carrying a Palestinian flag. It remained unclear whether the firefighter was active or retired, or whether the individual belonged to another fire department.

Confrontation near the 9/11 Memorial

The confrontation took place Friday near the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, a short distance from the ceremony commemorating the attacks. The person confronted was wearing an Elmo costume and displaying a Palestinian flag. Video showed the individual and other protesters in the area as the firefighter approached and spoke angrily.

The timing was significant because Friday marked 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. People had gathered in New York to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, while demonstrations related to the Israel-Palestinian conflict also took place nearby.

Statements made during the exchange

During the exchange, the firefighter used profanity and described the protester as anti-American. The person also told the protester to leave and directed insults at former President Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“Anti-American. Go back to Palestine. We don’t want you here,” the firefighter shouted, according to the video.

After the firefighter walked away, another voice in the recording said that Jews were committing genocide. The video did not establish who made that statement, and it was not clear whether the speaker was one of the protesters.

Fire department clarifies the firefighter’s identity

The New York City Fire Department said it was aware of the circulating video showing someone wearing a uniform involved in a verbal altercation. The department said the person appeared to be from another fire department and was not, and had never been, an FDNY member.

That statement left several details unresolved, including the person’s department, employment status and whether any disciplinary action was being considered. The recording showed a uniform, but the available video did not independently verify the person’s identity or professional affiliation.

Protests and anniversary ceremonies coincide

The confrontation occurred as a memorial ceremony was taking place at Ground Zero. All living former presidents attended the ceremony, along with Vice President JD Vance. Mamdani, Hochul and Ocasio-Cortez were also present, while President Donald Trump delivered a keynote address at a separate 9/11 ceremony at the Pentagon.

The video was posted online with a claim that frustration among Americans attending the memorial service was spilling into nearby streets. Separately, pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations were reported in the vicinity, including footage showing Palestinian and Hezbollah flags. The available material did not establish the size of the demonstrations or whether the people shown were connected to one another.

What is known about the video

The footage was recorded by people near the scene and later circulated on social media. It captured the verbal confrontation but did not show what led to the encounter or what happened after the participants moved apart. No physical assault was described in the available account.

The identity of the firefighter and the protester was not disclosed. The incident therefore remains documented primarily through the video and the FDNY’s clarification. Questions about the recording’s full context, the participants’ affiliations and any follow-up investigation were unresolved.

Summary

A uniformed person identified in the video as a firefighter confronted a pro-Palestinian protester near the 9/11 Memorial during anniversary events in New York. The FDNY distanced itself from the individual, saying the person was affiliated with another fire department and had never belonged to the city department. The recording captured a tense political exchange, but it did not establish the identities of the participants or provide a complete account of what preceded the confrontation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the confrontation occur?

It occurred near the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, close to the site of the anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero.

Who was involved?

A person wearing a firefighter uniform confronted a protester in an Elmo costume who was carrying a Palestinian flag. Their identities were not disclosed.

Was the person an FDNY firefighter?

No. The FDNY said the person was from another fire department and was not, and had never been, a member of the FDNY.

Did the video show a physical altercation?

The available account described a verbal confrontation. It did not describe a physical assault and did not show the full context before or after the exchange.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

New York City officials announced expanded security measures ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days and ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no specific or credible threats directed at the upcoming observances. The NYPD will increase its presence at synagogues and Jewish cultural and religious sites, while streets around Ground Zero will close for Friday’s commemoration.

Officials also highlighted rising hate crime figures, including a 9% increase in antisemitic hate crimes during the first eight months of the year. Antisemitic incidents accounted for more than half of all confirmed hate crimes citywide, according to Tisch.

Security plans for Jewish High Holy Days

The NYPD will deploy additional officers outside synagogues and at Jewish religious and cultural locations throughout New York City during September’s High Holy Days. The measures apply across all five boroughs and are intended to support Jewish residents as they attend worship services and other observances.

Mamdani said the administration considers the safety of Jewish New Yorkers a priority. The increased police presence is being put in place because of recent antisemitic incidents and the broader rise in reported hate crimes, although officials said they have not identified a specific credible threat to the celebrations.

Street closures for 9/11 anniversary

The city will close streets around Ground Zero on Friday as New York hosts ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The event is expected to draw dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance, and will require security restrictions in lower Manhattan.

Mamdani urged members of the public to avoid traveling through lower Manhattan during the commemorative events. The mayor and Tisch also announced a new memorial honoring the victims of 9/11 inside the NYPD’s headquarters at 1 Police Plaza in New York.

Hate crime trends in New York City

Tisch said confirmed hate crimes across the city increased 16% during the first eight months of the year, even as shootings and murders declined to historically low levels. Antisemitic hate crimes rose 9% over the same period.

More than half of all confirmed hate crimes in New York City targeted Jewish New Yorkers, according to the commissioner. Tisch noted that Jewish residents represent about 10% of the city’s population, describing the figures as deeply disturbing.

“Even as shootings and murders have fallen to historic lows, hate crimes are moving in the wrong direction through the first eight months of this year.”

Disrupted threats and recent incidents

Tisch cited the July stabbing of Moshe Grunhaus, a 50-year-old Jewish man wearing a kippah, outside The Jewish Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Grunhaus was punctured with a screwdriver in the incident, which officials identified as part of the security concerns facing Jewish communities.

The commissioner also said NYPD intelligence officers have tracked and disrupted multiple plots targeting Jewish institutions in New York since October 7. Those efforts included alleged plans involving a Manhattan synagogue and a Jewish center in Brooklyn. Officials did not announce a specific threat connected to the High Holy Days.

Public reassurance and continued vigilance

Both city leaders said New Yorkers should remain alert while continuing with religious observances and anniversary events. Mamdani said there were no specific or credible threats to New Yorkers at the time of the Wednesday briefing, but emphasized that the city would maintain heightened vigilance.

Tisch said Jewish New Yorkers could rely on the NYPD during the High Holy Days and throughout the year. The department’s approach combines visible patrols at Jewish sites, intelligence monitoring and security planning for large public gatherings.

Summary

New York City is combining added police deployments, intelligence monitoring and event-related street closures to protect Jewish communities and manage security during the 9/11 anniversary ceremonies. Officials said the measures reflect rising hate crime levels while emphasizing that no specific credible threat has been identified against the upcoming observances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security measures did New York City announce?

The NYPD will increase its presence outside synagogues and other Jewish religious and cultural locations across the five boroughs.

Why will streets close in lower Manhattan?

Streets around Ground Zero will close on Friday to support ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and to accommodate attending dignitaries.

Are there specific threats to the High Holy Days?

Mamdani and Tisch said there were no specific or credible threats directed at High Holy Day celebrations, while stressing that authorities remain vigilant.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A 21-foot steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center’s South Tower is traveling along the East Coast as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour. The 16,900-pound artifact will stop in Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and New York through Sept. 11, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Organizers say the tour will preserve the memory of 9/11 while honoring first responders and American service members. The beam previously visited the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is scheduled for a final public appearance at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13.

East Coast itinerary begins in Boston

The beam is moving through the Northeast during the week leading up to Sept. 11. On Wednesday night, it is scheduled to appear at Fenway Park during the Boston Red Sox game against the Seattle Mariners. On Thursday, it will travel to the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial, giving visitors another opportunity to see a physical remnant of the attacks and the service that followed.

The Boston stops are part of a broader tour that began earlier in 2026 to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. By bringing the beam to a sporting venue and a memorial site, organizers are reaching the public while honoring fallen service members.

Washington and New York events follow

After its Massachusetts appearances, the 16,900-pound beam will go to Washington, D.C., for a private event on Friday. It will then travel to Brooklyn for another private event in New York City on Sept. 11, the anniversary date of the attacks.

The schedule concludes with an appearance at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13, during the New York Giants’ game against the Dallas Cowboys. The itinerary places the artifact in settings connected to civic life, military service, remembrance, and professional sports.

West Point ceremony links generations of service

Before heading to Boston, the beam stopped at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Monday. Cadets, faculty, staff, guests, and first responders attended a ceremony with a color guard, a pipe and drum procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department, the national anthem, an invocation, and a blessing of the steel.

The program also included a moment of reflection accompanied by “Amazing Grace.” Superintendent Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III said the artifact connects the courage of first responders on 9/11 with Americans who later answered the call to serve, including generations of West Point graduates.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this piece of steel reminds us of the courage of first responders like Stephen Siller and the countless Americans who answered the call in the years that followed, including generations of West Point graduates.”

The beam carries the memory of the South Tower

The artifact is a 21-foot section of structural steel recovered from the World Trade Center’s South Tower. Its size and weight make transportation a substantial undertaking, while its purpose is to provide a tangible connection to the buildings destroyed in the attacks and to those who responded.

Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, recalled his brother’s actions on Sept. 11. Stephen Siller put on 60 pounds of gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the World Trade Center, where he died while responding to the attacks.

“Twenty-five years ago, my brother Stephen strapped on 60 pounds of gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward danger, duty and the people who needed him inside those towers.”

Tour aims to educate and remember

The Steel Across America tour was launched to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and recognize first responders and service members. The foundation has taken the beam to communities across the country, including Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota before its West Coast and East Coast movements.

Organizers say the tour is intended to educate younger generations about the attacks and the national response that followed. At West Point, Frank Siller said the foundation was grateful for the academy’s welcome and committed to ensuring that the sacrifice of Sept. 11 is not forgotten. The beam’s journey connects civilian communities, military personnel, and first responders.

Summary

A recovered South Tower beam is continuing its Steel Across America journey through the Northeast before and after the Sept. 11 anniversary. Its stops are designed to preserve the history of the attacks, honor those who responded, and help younger Americans understand the continuing legacy of 9/11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Steel Across America tour?

It is a Tunnel to Towers Foundation tour featuring a recovered South Tower beam to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor first responders and service members.

Where will the beam stop before Sept. 11?

Stops include Fenway Park and the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial, followed by private events in Washington, D.C., and Brooklyn.

What happens after the Sept. 11 appearance?

The beam is scheduled for a final appearance at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13 during the New York Giants’ game against the Dallas Cowboys.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul are being urged by retired Port Authority police officers to stay away from Ground Zero during New York City’s 25th anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks. The officers say the officials’ attendance could cause additional pain for victims’ families, survivors and first responders. Mamdani has said he plans to attend, while Hochul’s office said she will stand with families at the ceremony.

The dispute comes amid a petition seeking to bar Mamdani from the event that has collected more than 95,000 signatures. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has previously said the annual ceremony is kept free of politics, with attending officials asked not to speak and to remain in a designated area.

Retired officers challenge planned attendance

In separate letters dated Aug. 14, John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, asked Mamdani and Hochul not to attend the Sept. 11 ceremony at Ground Zero. The site is where the World Trade Center stood and where the city holds its annual remembrance for those killed, those who responded and those who survived the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The association represents retired Port Authority police officers and said the World Trade Center was their professional home. Thirty-seven Port Authority police officers and 47 other members of the Port Authority family died in the attacks, according to the letters.

Why the officers object to Mamdani’s presence

McDevitt said the ceremony should not be treated as a political occasion, photo opportunity or platform for public officials. The retired officers cited concerns about Mamdani’s public statements, political associations and positions, which they believe conflict with the sacrifices made by victims and law enforcement officers.

“It also risks shifting attention away from the people whose lives, courage, and sacrifice the ceremony exists to honor.”

The letter proposed that Mamdani recognize the anniversary through a written statement, public message or separate event instead. Mamdani has previously said he intends to attend and honor the families, survivors and first responders affected by the attacks.

Criticism of Hochul’s World Trade Center decision

The association’s letter to Hochul focused on the decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month. The retired officers said they did not object to the proclamation itself, but argued that using the World Trade Center and Ground Zero for the observance disregarded the site’s significance.

McDevitt described the decision as insensitive and offensive to victims’ families, survivors, first responders and those who served at the World Trade Center. He wrote that the association believed Hochul had forfeited the right to stand alongside them at the 25th anniversary ceremony.

Petition adds pressure before the anniversary

The letters arrived as a petition demanding that organizers exclude Mamdani from the September ceremony surpassed 95,000 signatures. Giovanni Galante, whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was killed in the attacks, launched the petition in July.

Galante said the effort was intended to protect families from people who oppose their way of life. Michael LaRosa, a former presidential spokesman, also signed the petition and said Mamdani’s attendance could become a major distraction from victims and their loved ones.

Officials defend the commemoration’s purpose

Hochul’s office rejected the demand that she stay away, saying the governor has enormous respect for every family that lost someone on 9/11 and will attend the commemoration. Her spokesperson also said Muslim New Yorkers served as first responders and helped unite the city after the attacks, while emphasizing that respect for victims’ families can coexist with opposition to Islamophobia.

The memorial and museum has said government officials who attend do not deliver remarks and are asked to remain in a designated area. That policy is intended to preserve the ceremony as a remembrance centered on the dead, survivors and the people who responded.

Summary

The dispute highlights continuing tensions over political participation at the 25th anniversary 9/11 commemoration. Retired officers want the ceremony focused exclusively on victims, survivors and first responders, while Hochul’s office maintains that honoring those groups is compatible with her attendance and broader messages about New York’s Muslim community. The memorial’s existing rules are intended to limit political activity during the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who asked Mamdani and Hochul to stay away?

The request came from retired Port Authority police officers, represented in letters by association president John McDevitt.

When is the ceremony scheduled?

The 25th anniversary commemoration is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2026, at Ground Zero in New York City.

Why are the retired officers objecting?

They said the officials’ attendance could cause pain for families and survivors and shift attention away from the people being honored.

What have the officials said?

Mamdani has said he plans to attend, and Hochul’s office said she will proudly stand with families while defending the inclusion of Muslim New Yorkers in the city’s post-9/11 history.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

The New York Police Department is investigating after video showed three people in overalls and headlamps emerging from a Manhattan manhole near Penn Station. Police said the incident occurred at 4:19 a.m. on August 18 at the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue. No arrests have been made, and detectives are reviewing surveillance footage. City officials warned that entering the sewer system is illegal and can expose people to deadly hazards.

Police investigate early-morning Manhattan exit

The NYPD opened an investigation after a bystander-recorded video circulated on social media showing three individuals climbing out of a manhole. The people were wearing overalls and headlamps as they emerged onto the sidewalk in the area near Manhattan’s Penn Station.

Police confirmed that the incident took place on August 18, 2026, at 4:19 a.m. at the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video to determine what happened before and during the group’s time underground. Authorities said there have been no arrests in connection with the case.

Detectives examine possible sewer scavenging

NYPD detectives told local media that they believe some people seen entering or leaving New York manholes may be searching the sewer system for valuables. Their comments connected the activity to what they described as a scavenger culture in countries including Venezuela, but the police investigation into this specific incident remains ongoing.

The clothing and equipment shown in the video, including headlamps and overalls, drew attention because they appeared suited to movement through dark and confined spaces. The footage alone does not establish the identities, motivations or backgrounds of the three people. Investigators are using surveillance material to seek additional information about their movements and purpose.

City officials detail the risks of entering sewers

New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection said it inspected the sewers at the location and found that the infrastructure was safe. The agency said it works with public safety partners to protect the city’s critical infrastructure.

Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.

The department advised members of the public never to enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole or outfall. The warning explains why authorities are treating the incident as a public safety concern as well as a possible investigation into unauthorized access.

Manhattan incident follows other New York sightings

The August 18 video is not the only recent footage involving people emerging from New York manholes. Three separate instances were reported in June in Queens and in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Gravesend.

In several of those incidents, people were recorded wearing headlamps and carrying shovels or other tools. The reports have prompted questions about whether the cases are connected or reflect separate attempts to search underground areas. Authorities have not announced a broader enforcement action or confirmed a link among the incidents.

New York maintains an extensive sewer network

New York City’s sewer system includes more than 7,400 miles of wastewater and stormwater pipes. Parts of the network date to the 1800s, making it a large and complex system beneath the city’s streets and neighborhoods.

That scale creates significant challenges for access control, inspection and public safety. Manholes provide essential access for authorized workers, but unauthorized entry can place individuals in confined areas where gas, flooding and unstable surfaces create immediate dangers. The DEP’s inspection found no infrastructure problem at the Manhattan location, while the NYPD continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the people seen leaving it.

Summary

The NYPD is investigating an early-morning incident near Penn Station after three people were filmed emerging from a manhole. Detectives are examining whether the group was searching for valuables, while emphasizing that the investigation has not resulted in arrests or publicly established the individuals’ identities. The DEP has inspected the site and reiterated that unauthorized sewer entry is illegal and potentially life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the incident occur?

It occurred at the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, near Penn Station.

When did the people emerge from the manhole?

Police said the incident occurred at 4:19 a.m. on August 18, 2026.

Have any arrests been made?

No arrests have been made. The NYPD is reviewing surveillance video as part of its investigation.

Why are officials warning the public?

Officials say sewer systems may contain deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks and confined spaces. They also say unauthorized entry is illegal.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau appeared in a Manhattan court on Monday after authorities accused them of climbing the Empire State Building. The newly engaged couple faces burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief charges, among others. The pair drew attention outside the courthouse after cameras recorded them kissing. Their case has been adjourned until September.

First court appearance and public attention

Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, attended their first court appearance in Manhattan on Monday. Reporters and photographers surrounded the couple as they left the courthouse, and video showed them kissing outside the building. The public display followed their alleged July 1 climb of the New York City landmark, which they reportedly used to announce their engagement.

The couple, who are from East Orange, New Jersey, have also appeared as Netflix personalities. Their court appearance was held as prosecutors pursued criminal allegations arising from the climb. No injuries were reported after the incident, according to police.

Alleged Empire State Building stunt

Authorities allege that the pair reached the top of the Empire State Building while wearing masks and holding up a sign. The stunt attracted attention because Kuznetsov reportedly proposed to Nikolau during or around the climb, with the engagement ring displayed in photographs taken high above New York City.

Images shared after the incident showed the couple at the landmark, while police video later documented officers moving through the skyscraper to meet the suspects. Investigators said the pair appeared to be unharnessed. The allegations concern access to restricted areas of the building rather than an authorized visit.

Charges and police account

The defendants face charges including burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Prosecutors allege that they broke a lock on a security door on the 104th floor and entered areas that were not open to the public. The case also includes additional allegations connected to the stunt.

Police arrested the couple after the climb. Officials said no one was injured, although the alleged entry into restricted areas and the reported lack of harnesses formed part of the authorities’ account of the incident. The charges remain allegations, and the court process will determine how the case proceeds.

Couple’s statements and legal posture

Two days before Monday’s hearing, Nikolau addressed the case in an Instagram post. She said the couple understood that their actions had consequences and indicated that they would respect the legal process.

“Whatever happens in court, we will respect the process and accept the consequences of our choices.”

After leaving court, Nikolau also said, “Everything can be taken, except this.” The couple’s attorney declined to comment. Neither the public displays nor the social media statements resolve the criminal allegations against them.

Next steps in the case

The case was adjourned until September, when the proceedings are expected to continue in New York City. The next appearance will give prosecutors and the defense an opportunity to address the pending charges and the evidence surrounding the alleged climb.

Until then, the central issues remain whether the defendants entered restricted parts of the building, whether property was damaged during the alleged entry and how the court will evaluate the claimed risks to the couple and others. The engagement stunt has generated significant publicity, but the legal case will be decided through the court process.

Summary

The alleged Empire State Building climb by Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau has moved from a viral engagement stunt into a criminal case. The defendants appeared in court, face several charges and have acknowledged that their choices carry consequences. Further proceedings in September will determine the next stage of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the defendants?

Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, are an engaged couple from East Orange, New Jersey.

What charges do they face?

They face burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief charges, among other allegations.

When will the case continue?

The case has been adjourned until September in New York City.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A Bronx man accused of disrupting a Shabbat service at a Midtown Manhattan synagogue allegedly admitted during a recorded interview that his actions were racially and religiously motivated, federal prosecutors say. Larry Montes, 46, is charged with two federal hate crimes and destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury. Authorities say he struck a congregant, assaulted a security guard and damaged ceremonial objects during the service. He remains in custody and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted on the federal charges.

The incident occurred at Central Synagogue in Manhattan during a service attended by about 375 people. Prosecutors say Montes shouted antisemitic and derogatory statements before physically attacking two people as security personnel attempted to remove and restrain him. He also faces separate state charges connected with the incident.

New York City officials said the two injured people were doing well after the confrontation. The case has drawn attention to the safety of Jewish worshippers and the legal consequences of violence allegedly driven by religious or racial animus.

Recorded interview and alleged motive

According to federal prosecutors, Montes discussed his motivation in a recorded post-arrest interview with investigators. They say he described the conduct as “all a racial thing” and “all religious motivated,” and allegedly made additional antisemitic comments about Jews and synagogues. The statements are part of the government’s account of the evidence and will be considered in the criminal proceedings.

“It’s racial,” Montes allegedly said during the interview, according to prosecutors.

The alleged admissions are significant because the federal charges require prosecutors to establish that the conduct was motivated by protected religious or racial characteristics. Montes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Disruption during the Shabbat service

The confrontation took place at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan during a Jewish Sabbath service attended by approximately 375 people. Prosecutors say Montes stood up inside the sanctuary, began shouting obscenities at worshippers and damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents.

The alleged disruption occurred while congregants were gathered for religious observance. Authorities say the head of security then tried to remove Montes from the sanctuary, prompting further shouting and a physical struggle. The setting and timing form a central part of the allegations because the incident took place during a public religious service.

Assaults on a congregant and security guard

Prosecutors allege that Montes punched a female congregant with a closed fist during the disturbance. They also say he assaulted a security guard who was attempting to handcuff him, directed a racial slur at the guard, spat in his face and headbutted the area around the guard’s left eye.

Authorities further allege that Montes threatened to return to the synagogue at a later date. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman and the security guard were doing well after the incident, although the allegations describe a violent encounter that affected worshippers and security personnel inside the building.

Federal and state criminal charges

Montes faces two federal counts alleging hate crimes and a charge involving destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury. The Justice Department says the federal case carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted. Separate state charges have also been filed in connection with the alleged attack.

Montes remains in custody as the cases proceed. The federal allegations are based on the reported conduct at the synagogue, the injuries and property damage described by authorities, and the statements prosecutors say he made after his arrest. The court process will determine the facts and any criminal responsibility.

Official response and synagogue safety

The incident prompted condemnation from city officials and renewed concern about whether Jewish New Yorkers can worship safely. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he could imagine the pain and fear caused by an attack during Shabbat services and stated that every New Yorker should be able to observe a religion without fear of violence.

The response has focused on the immediate welfare of those assaulted and the broader impact on the congregation. Security staff intervened during the service, while police and prosecutors pursued the criminal investigation. The case now moves forward through both federal and state court systems.

Summary

The allegations against Larry Montes combine violence at a religious service, damage to synagogue property and statements prosecutors say demonstrate antisemitic and religious motives. With federal and state cases pending, the court proceedings will determine whether the evidence supports the charges. The incident has also highlighted the continuing need for worshippers and security personnel to be protected during religious services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is charged in the case?

Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, is charged in federal court and also faces separate state charges related to the alleged synagogue incident.

What allegedly happened at the synagogue?

Prosecutors say Montes disrupted a Shabbat service, shouted obscenities, damaged ceremonial candlesticks, punched a congregant and assaulted a security guard.

What penalty could Montes face?

The Justice Department says the federal charges carry a potential maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison if Montes is convicted.

What evidence do prosecutors cite regarding motive?

Federal prosecutors cite statements they say Montes made during a recorded post-arrest interview, including alleged comments describing the conduct as racially and religiously motivated.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A New York judge temporarily halted the city’s rollout of a surcharge targeting second homes valued at more than $5 million. The order prevents City Hall from relying on a disputed property list, mailed notices and related deadlines while the legal challenge proceeds. The case focuses on how the tax was implemented, not on whether the surcharge itself is lawful.

The ruling also directs the city to remove a list containing the names, addresses and property values of more than 900,000 homeowners. City officials said they disagree with the decision and plan to appeal while continuing to defend the tax program.

Judge pauses the tax rollout

Judge Wayne Ozzi issued a temporary restraining order Monday in a lawsuit brought by three New York City homeowners. The order bars the administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani from moving forward on the basis of a disputed supplemental property roll or previously mailed notices.

The ruling also prevents the city from imposing, assessing or collecting the surcharge against homeowners identified on that roll unless it first makes the individualized determination required under state tax law and provides the required notice. The judge found that the notices created irreparable harm and said the city had not completed adequate due diligence.

Homeowners challenge the implementation

The plaintiffs are not contesting the legality of the pied-à-terre surcharge itself. Their lawsuit argues that the city incorrectly identified primary residences as potentially taxable second homes, failed to conduct individual reviews before mailing notices and improperly placed the burden on residents to prove they were exempt.

Attorney Randy Mastro said the city should have used information already available to determine which properties qualified before publishing the list or contacting homeowners. One plaintiff, Simon Hedley, received an exemption after submitting tax information, which Mastro cited as evidence that the city could have completed the review itself.

“The city screwed this up, got it wrong, stop the train and make them do it over,” Mastro told the court.

The challenged list reportedly included more than 900,000 homeowners by name, address and property value, although the mayor said about 17,000 homeowners were potentially affected by the surcharge.

City defends its process and policy

The city argued that stopping the process would harm taxpayers seeking exemptions and disrupt deadlines. Attorney Steven Banks said keeping the supplemental roll in place would preserve the status quo while residents navigated the exemption process.

The administration continues to support the surcharge, which applies to second homes valued at $5 million or more. A spokesperson, Matt Rauschenbach, said the policy asks owners of high-value second homes to contribute to city services and said the Law Department would appeal immediately.

“We disagree with today’s ruling, but we are confident in both the pied-à-terre surcharge and the City’s ability to implement it fairly and effectively,” Rauschenbach said.

Legal arguments focus on due process

The hearing became contentious as the attorneys disputed whether the notices unfairly threatened homeowners. Mastro described the rollout as extraordinary and argued that residents were placed under pressure to establish that their properties were primary residences.

Banks rejected that characterization and said the city was acting under the law. Mastro later clarified that his language referred to how homeowners perceived the notices, rather than an allegation of physical danger. Ozzi emphasized that the underlying case has not been decided, but found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims concerning the city’s initial determinations.

Appeal and court deadlines remain ahead

The city says its appeal will stay the order and intends to continue implementing the surcharge. Before the ruling, Mamdani defended the program as a way to raise revenue for safer streets, stronger schools and other municipal services, while acknowledging that new taxes can generate uncertainty.

The judge ordered the defense to submit its order to show cause by Aug. 24. Plaintiffs’ replies are due Aug. 27, and oral arguments on the merits are scheduled for Aug. 31. Those proceedings will determine whether the city’s rollout can proceed under the current approach or must be redesigned.

Summary

The ruling pauses New York City’s current implementation of the luxury second-home surcharge because the judge found problems with the city’s initial review and homeowner notices. It does not invalidate the tax itself. The next court deadlines will determine whether officials must revise the process before enforcement can resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the judge order?

The judge temporarily barred the city from acting on the disputed property roll and mailed notices, and ordered officials to remove the list while the case proceeds.

What properties does the surcharge target?

The surcharge targets second homes valued at more than $5 million.

Did the lawsuit challenge the tax’s legality?

No. The three homeowners challenge how the city identified properties, issued notices and handled the initial determination process.

What happens next?

The city plans to appeal. Court filings are due Aug. 24 and Aug. 27, with oral arguments scheduled for Aug. 31.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A New York judge has temporarily halted the rollout of New York City’s new surcharge on luxury second homes valued above $5 million. The order blocks the city from relying on a disputed property roll, mailed notices and related enforcement deadlines while the legal challenge proceeds. The case centers on whether the city properly identified non-primary residences before notifying homeowners and shifting the burden to them to seek exemptions.

Judge Wayne Ozzi also ordered officials to remove a list containing the names, addresses and property values of more than 900,000 homeowners. The underlying surcharge remains legally contested, but the judge’s order addresses the administration’s implementation rather than deciding whether the tax itself is valid.

Judge pauses the surcharge process

On Monday, Wayne Ozzi issued a temporary restraining order against the administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The order prevents City Hall from proceeding on the basis of the disputed supplemental property roll or the notices already mailed to homeowners. It also bars the city from imposing, assessing or collecting the surcharge against people identified on that roll without first making the individualized determination required under state tax law and providing the required notice.

The judge found that the notices could cause irreparable harm and concluded that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims about the city’s initial process. He emphasized that the ruling was temporary and did not resolve the broader legal question of whether the pied-à-terre surcharge is lawful.

Homeowners challenge the city’s implementation

Three New York City homeowners filed the lawsuit, arguing that the city improperly treated primary residences as potentially subject to the surcharge. Their challenge does not attack the tax’s basic legality. Instead, they contend that officials should have determined first which properties were actually non-primary residences before placing owners on a supplemental roll and sending notices.

Attorney Randy Mastro argued that the city had access to information that could have allowed it to make those determinations itself. He said the process forced homeowners to prove that their properties were primary residences, creating confusion for people who should not have received the notices. Plaintiff Simon Hedley, for example, obtained an exemption after submitting tax information, which Mastro cited as evidence that the city could have performed the review earlier.

Court hears sharp arguments over homeowner notices

The hearing focused on the size and handling of the property roll, which included more than 900,000 names, addresses and property values. Mastro said the publication exposed homeowners to unnecessary scrutiny and described the rollout as deeply flawed. He told the court that many residents were placed on edge by notices suggesting they could owe the surcharge.

City attorney Steven Banks defended the process and argued that stopping it would harm taxpayers seeking exemptions and disrupt the city’s deadlines. The lawyers also clashed over descriptions of the notices and the effect they had on residents.

“The city screwed this up… got it wrong… stop the train and make them do it over,” Randy Mastro told the court.

Banks responded that the city was acting in accordance with the law. Mastro later clarified that his language described how homeowners perceived the notices rather than accusing officials of physical threats.

Mayor’s administration defends the tax and plans appeal

The Mamdani administration said it disagreed with the ruling and remained confident in both the surcharge and its ability to administer it fairly. Spokesperson Matt Rauschenbach said the city’s Law Department would immediately appeal and that the administration intended to continue implementing the measure.

The surcharge targets second homes valued at $5 million or more. Mamdani has argued that the revenue would support city services including safer streets and stronger schools. He has also said that approximately 17,000 homeowners in the city could potentially be affected and pointed to an extension of the deadline for seeking an exemption.

“This surcharge asks those who own second homes valued at $5 million or more to contribute their fair share to the city they benefit from,” Matt Rauschenbach said.

Next court deadlines could determine the rollout

The legal dispute is moving on an expedited schedule. The defense must submit its order to show cause by Aug. 24, plaintiffs must respond by Aug. 27, and oral arguments on the merits are scheduled for Aug. 31. Those proceedings could clarify whether the city must restart its identification and notification process.

The judge said he could not reverse the effect of notices that had already been sent, but he could prevent additional errors while the case continued. The immediate result is a pause in enforcement based on the disputed roll, leaving the administration’s tax policy in place but its current rollout under judicial scrutiny.

Summary

The ruling gives New York City homeowners a temporary procedural victory while preserving the larger dispute over the luxury second-home surcharge. The next hearings will determine whether the city can revise its screening and notification process or must substantially restart the rollout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the judge order?

The judge temporarily barred the city from relying on the disputed property roll, mailed notices and related deadlines to enforce the surcharge.

What properties are targeted?

The surcharge applies to second homes valued at more than $5 million, although the lawsuit concerns how potentially affected properties were identified.

What happens next?

The city plans to appeal, while the case will proceed through filings due Aug. 24 and Aug. 27 and oral arguments scheduled for Aug. 31.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Manuel Hernandez, a New Jersey man accused of operating illegal boat tours, faces federal charges after a vessel capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her five-month-old daughter. Prosecutors allege he carried more passengers than the boat was designed to hold and operated without required credentials. They also say he knowingly took the infant aboard without an appropriate life vest. Eleven passengers and Hernandez survived the August 8 incident, while the mother and child were later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

Federal charges follow the New York Harbor capsizing

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, New Jersey, was charged on Monday with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in federal court. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The charges stem from the August 8 nighttime capsizing of a Yamaha AR210 during a paid excursion in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty. Federal prosecutors allege Hernandez was piloting the boat despite lacking a Merchant Mariner Credential and a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection required for the operation.

Prosecutors describe warnings, overcrowding and missing safety equipment

According to the federal complaint, 14 people were aboard the vessel, although its maximum capacity was 10. Prosecutors also allege Hernandez was not licensed to carry paying passengers and had previously operated at least two other tours for the same company using his own boat. Investigators say he acknowledged lacking the required credentials and receiving about $1,000 for each trip.

Before the fatal tour began, Hernandez allegedly asked the infant’s parents whether they had a flotation device sized for the child. When they said they did not, he allegedly told them the boat also had no infant life vest. Despite that warning, prosecutors say Hernandez instructed one parent to wear a life vest and hold the baby during the excursion. The mother, identified as Sara Sanchez, did so.

A swell preceded the vessel’s sudden capsize

About three hours and 20 minutes into the trip, Hernandez was allegedly steering toward the Statue of Liberty when he made a U-turn. The vessel entered a swell that prosecutors said may have been created by the wake of a larger passing boat.

The complaint alleges Hernandez attempted to accelerate through the swell. Water then swamped the bow, and the vessel immediately capsized, throwing all 14 people into the harbor. Hernandez and 11 passengers survived. Sanchez and her infant daughter were recovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

The victims were identified as a mother and her infant daughter

The victims were identified as Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Sanchez’s partner and Antonella’s father, Andres Garcia, was also aboard the boat and survived the capsizing.

A fundraiser organized by friends and colleagues said Garcia is now grieving the deaths while caring for the couple’s six-year-old son, Salvador. The campaign is seeking assistance with funeral expenses and other costs. Organizers wrote that no amount of money could replace Sanchez or Antonella.

Officials say the operation exposed serious commercial boating risks

The boat involved belonged to a friend and was smaller than Hernandez’s own vessel, which prosecutors say needed mechanical repairs. Hernandez allegedly told investigators that he did not know the borrowed boat’s maximum capacity. He initially expected 12 passengers before ultimately agreeing to take 13, although 14 people were aboard during the trip.

Josh Packer, assistant director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, said illegal charter operations put passengers at risk.

“Illegal charter operations gamble with human life. In this case, the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy,” Packer said.

Jamie McDonald, the U.S. attorney, said Hernandez allegedly transported paying customers without appropriate licenses, overcrowded the vessel and took a five-month-old passenger aboard without infant life vests. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the alleged conduct as a complete disregard for passenger safety and said the tragedy could have been prevented.

Summary

Federal prosecutors allege that an unlicensed operator ignored multiple safety concerns during a paid New York Harbor tour that ended with an overcrowded boat capsizing. The deaths of Sara Sanchez and Antonella Garcia have prompted officials to emphasize the dangers of illegal charter operations. The criminal case remains based on allegations, and the charges will proceed through federal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Manuel Hernandez face?

Manuel Hernandez faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

How did the boat capsize?

Prosecutors allege Hernandez made a U-turn near the Statue of Liberty and accelerated into a swell that may have been caused by another vessel’s wake. The swell reportedly swamped the bow and caused the boat to overturn.

Who died in the incident?

Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, died after being recovered unresponsive from New York Harbor.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.