Man Arrested for Hate Crime After Violent Disruption at Manhattan Synagogue
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Larry Montes was arrested for assault and property damage as a hate crime after disrupting Shabbat prayers at a Manhattan synagogue, attacking a worshiper and security guard, and breaking $20,000 worth of menorahs. NYPD increased security, and Israeli officials criticized New York City leadership for failing to protect the Jewish community.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Larry Montes assaulted a worshiper and security guard during Shabbat prayers in Manhattan.
- He broke two menorahs valued at approximately $20,000 during the incident.
- Montes faces hate crime charges for assault and property damage.
- NYPD commander Jessica Tisch increased police presence at the synagogue after the attack.
- Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis blamed NYC Mayor Eric Adams for inciting hatred.
- No serious injuries were reported, and the suspect was arrested on site.
A 46-year-old man named Larry Montes from the Bronx was arrested after causing a violent disturbance during Shabbat prayers at a synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan around 6 p.m. Montes assaulted a 63-year-old female worshiper by punching her, headbutted and spat on a security guard, and broke two valuable menorahs estimated at $20,000. The incident led to charges against Montes for two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of property damage as a hate crime. A New York Police Department officer, present on site for paid security, detained Montes and handed him over to law enforcement.
Jessica Tisch, a commander with the NYPD who grew up attending the synagogue, spoke with the synagogue’s rabbi and expressed relief that no one was seriously injured. She announced increased police presence around the synagogue, emphasizing that places of worship should never become crime scenes. The Israeli Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, sharply condemned the attack and blamed New York City Mayor Eric Adams for failing to protect the Jewish community. Akunis accused Adams of inciting hatred and warned that inflammatory rhetoric was turning into violent acts, stating that Adams’s weak condemnation was insufficient.
The synagogue and local authorities are now focused on preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety of worshipers in the area. The case highlights ongoing concerns about hate crimes targeting Jewish communities in New York City and the political tensions surrounding public safety and leadership responsibility.
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