Man Charged With Hate Crimes After Manhattan Synagogue Attack

Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, was arraigned on hate crime charges late Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Judge Janice Chen set bail at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds, despite the Manhattan District Attorney's office requesting $50,000 cash and $150,000 in bonds. Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime, two counts of aggravated harassment, and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. Prosecutors said Montes admitted his actions were religiously motivated and called Jewish congregants swine and fake Jews after the attack.

He also admitted to having racial animus towards Black people. Montes allegedly barged into Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue around 6 p.m. Friday during a Shabbat service. He reportedly screamed and charged towards the bimah, where the Rabbi was presiding. Montes then grabbed and threw two religious candles and candle holders, valued at around $10,000 each, causing them to break.

As security escorted him out, he allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman, causing a small laceration and pain to her lip and right forearm. He also allegedly spat on and head-butted a 65-year-old security guard. The injured individuals were treated at the scene, and no one was seriously hurt. Officers arrested Montes on Friday night. The New York City Police Department's hate crime task force is investigating the incident.

Central Synagogue, a Reform congregation, expressed gratitude for support and stated that its security director heroically restrained the man. The synagogue's rabbis reignited the candles and continued the service. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that a place of worship should never be a crime scene. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the attack as appalling, affirming Jews' right to worship without fear.