Hate crime charges filed in Manhattan synagogue attack
A New York City man barged into Shabbat services and attacked two people
ByThe Associated Press
August 15, 2026, 1:20 PM
NEW YORK –Hate crime charges have been filed against a man who disrupted Shabbat services in Manhattan’s Central Synagogue and struck two people while being hustled outside Friday night
“As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit at and head-butted a member of the security team,” a statement from Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said
A police sergeant working as a paid security detail at the synagogue immediately took the man into custody and no one was seriously injured, Tisch said
Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges, Tisch said
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the assault during the livestreamed service “horrifying.”
Judge refuses to block <a href="https://todaytrendnews7.com/trump-administration-wants-to-allow-companies-to-hack-foreign-cybercriminals/” title=”Trump administration wants to allow companies to hack foreign cybercriminals”>Trump administration from building border wall along tribe’s reservation
- Aug 14, 5:35 PM
‘Bluey’ trailer arrives at D23 a year ahead of its theatrical release
- Aug 14, 11:39 PM
Ukraine ramps up long-range strikes, attacks Russia’s Samara industrial site
- Aug 15, 7:24 AM
“Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence,” he posted on social media
Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer were among those who also condemned the attack
Additional police security was added and Shabbat services continued Saturday
“We might want to be focusing on the beauty of our liturgy and the sanctity of Shabbat, and somehow the feeling of the imperfect and cruel world keeps flooding in,” Rabbi Rebecca Thau told congregants
Related Topics
- Antisemitism
