Manhattan Synagogue Attack Results in Hate Crime Charges

Shabbat services at a Manhattan synagogue were interrupted Friday evening when a man assaulted two people and damaged property, New York police said. The suspect now faces hate crime charges. Officers responded around 6pm to Central Synagogue in Midtown East after a reported disturbance, the New York Times reports. As security escorted the man out, police said, he hit a 63-year-old congregant in the face, injuring her lip, and spat at and head-butted a 65-year-old security guard, causing swelling. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the assault during the livestreamed service "horrifying," per the AP, saying in a post, "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the suspect as 46-year-old Larry Montes of the Bronx, who was arrested at the synagogue by an NYPD sergeant working there. Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges. No serious injuries or additional threats were reported. Police security was increased, and Shabbat services continued Saturday.