New York Synagogue Attacker Revealed as Israel Supporter Amid Hate Crime Charges

Larry Montes, a 46-year-old man from the Bronx, was charged with hate crimes after assaulting worshippers and damaging religious items in a Manhattan synagogue. The incident involved Montes punching a 63-year-old woman, headbutting and spitting on a 65-year-old security guard, and smashing two valuable religious candles worth approximately $20,000. During the attack, Montes reportedly shouted anti-Jewish slurs, including a vulgar phrase directed at Jews. He faces two counts of assault as hate crimes and one count of criminal damage as a hate crime.

Despite these actions, Montes' aunt claims he suffers from severe mental health issues and has developed an obsession with Judaism. She links his disturbed state to childhood trauma, including the death of his mother during childbirth. Montes' Facebook profile contradicts his violent behavior, showing numerous posts expressing support for Israel and Judaism, including images symbolizing peace between Puerto Rico and Israel and messages urging people to "keep Israel in your heart." He also shared videos criticizing anti-Israel political figures.

Montes has a known history of mental instability and a significant criminal record involving violent robberies. In 2023, he threatened a Best Buy employee with a knife during a theft attempt, and in 2019, he violently assaulted a CVS employee while attempting to steal deodorants, carrying a crack-smoking pipe at the time. His aunt concluded that he needs proper psychological treatment rather than punishment.