Overview
- Prosecutors say Larry Montes, 46, entered Central Synagogue during Shabbat services on Aug. 14 and rushed to the bimah while shouting that he was “Hashem,” then knocked over and broke ceremonial candles and holders.
- The Manhattan district attorney announced a state indictment on Sept. 9 charging Montes with multiple counts including criminal mischief and assault as hate crimes and he was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court where he pleaded not guilty.
- Authorities allege Montes struck a 63‑year‑old congregant, causing lacerations and bruising, and spat on and headbutted a 65‑year‑old security guard while making racist and antisemitic remarks.
- Prosecutors say key evidence includes synagogue livestream footage and a recorded post‑arrest statement in which Montes admitted animus toward Jewish and Black people, and federal hate‑crime charges are also expected to proceed in parallel.
- City leaders and the NYPD have condemned the attack and pledged heightened protection for houses of worship, a response that could affect security deployments and community practices during the upcoming High Holidays.