Overview
- Larry Montes, 46, was arrested after he disrupted a Shabbat service at Central Synagogue and was charged with multiple counts including two assault charges and a criminal mischief charge labeled as hate crimes.
- Video from the synagogue’s livestream showed congregants scrambling as Montes moved down the aisle and security escorted him out before he struck a 63-year-old woman, damaged religious property, and spat at and head‑butted a security team member.
- An NYPD sergeant working a paid security detail at the synagogue took Montes into custody at the scene and officials said the injured sustained only minor wounds and were evaluated there.
- Prosecutors and the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force are investigating the case while noting motive has not been established and some law-enforcement sources have referenced the suspect’s past mental-health history and sealed arrests.
- The attack, which took place during Friday night services, has prompted widespread condemnation from city and state leaders and renewed concern about a recent rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City.