Man Charged with Hate Crimes After Violent Anti-Semitic Attack at Manhattan Synagogue

Larry Montes, 46, from the Bronx, was federally charged for an anti-Semitic and racist attack during Friday night prayers at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, a prominent Reform Jewish congregation. The incident occurred last Friday with about 375 worshippers present. Montes suddenly shouted, damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold decorations, and assaulted a 63-year-old female congregant, causing injury. When security intervened, he hurled curses including "go to hell" and "I don't deal with people like you." Even after being restrained and handcuffed, Montes spat at and headbutted a 65-year-old Black security guard and threatened to return.

During his post-arrest interrogation, Montes made explicitly racist statements, including "kill the Jews... it's racial," and declared he would never associate with "filthy synagogues," neither in New York nor Israel. He admitted his actions were racially and religiously motivated. The federal charges include two hate crimes, each carrying up to ten years imprisonment, and damage to religious property causing bodily harm, which carries a maximum of 20 years.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the violence against worshippers, and Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald emphasized that attacking a place of worship violates fundamental rights. Central Synagogue, completed in 1872 on Lexington Avenue, is the oldest continuously used synagogue in New York State. Despite the attack, the community resumed prayers the following morning.