Man Charged With Hate Crimes After Disrupting NYC Synagogue Services
ContestedRigor 556 sources
The Story
Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, according to the New York Police Department. He entered the synagogue during services, struck a congregant, damaged property, and spit at and head-butted a security guard. An NYPD sergeant working as a guard intervened and took Montes into custody. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that those injured were not seriously hurt and are recovering. Tisch, who grew up attending the synagogue, called the incident deeply painful and said a place of worship should never be a crime scene. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed horror and pledged to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe. The incident remains under investigation, and additional NYPD resources were deployed to the synagogue.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- A man disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday evening.
- The individual assaulted a congregant and a security guard.
- The assailant also damaged synagogue property.
- NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that those injured were not seriously harmed.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the incident.
Where they split
- The Jerusalem Post and Fox News identify the assailant as Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, and detail the specific charges he faces.
- The Forward, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and Haaretz focus on the details of the assault and the reactions from city officials.
- The Jerusalem Post and Fox News include a reference to a separate incident involving a North Carolina woman charged in an alleged Houston synagogue attack plot.
- The Jerusalem Post and Fox News include a reference to a separate report about Jewish leaders faulting Mamdani's rhetoric regarding an Upper West Side stabbing.