Hate Crime Charges Filed in Manhattan Synagogue Attack

Larry Montes, 46, was arrested Friday evening after disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. He faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime.

• A 63-year-old woman suffered a cut to her lip and injuries to her right forearm.
• $20,000 worth of religious candles were allegedly broken during the incident.
• An on-site NYPD sergeant working a paid detail took Montes into custody.
• No one was seriously injured; those hurt were evaluated at the scene.

Why it matters: The attack occurred during an active religious service at one of Manhattan's most prominent synagogues. It follows what the Anti-Defamation League reported was a record high in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. last year, including the first fatality since 2022.

• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who attended Central Synagogue as a child, called it personally painful and confirmed additional resources were deployed.

How 23 sources split on this story

Where they split: Coverage differs on whether to emphasize Mayor Mamdani's condemnation or his prior tensions with some in the Jewish community as context for his response.

What’s next: The investigation remains active; NYPD has increased its presence at the synagogue.

• Central Synagogue said in a Facebook statement it will continue weekly services.
• What motivated Montes to enter the synagogue and target congregants has not been established in reporting.
• Whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues is not yet known.