Man Arrested for Hate Crime After Violent Disruption at Manhattan Synagogue

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.