A Bronx man has been charged with federal hate crimes for allegedly assaulting two people and disrupting a Shabbat service at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.
Larry Montes, 46, faces two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury. He could face up to 30 years in prison, according to the Department of Justice.
Prosecutors allege that Montes stood up during the Jewish Sabbath service, shouted obscenities, and struck two ceremonial silver candlesticks. When a head of security attempted to remove him, Montes allegedly yelled at congregants and then punched a female parishioner. He also assaulted a security guard who was trying to handcuff him, spitting in his face and headbutting him, the complaint states.
During a recorded post-arrest interview, Montes explicitly admitted that his actions were "all a racial thing" and "all religious motivated," according to federal prosecutors. He also made anti-Semitic remarks and derogatory comments about synagogues.
Montes remains in custody. In addition to the federal charges, he faces state charges related to the incident. Authorities stated that the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are recovering well.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed shock following the attack, stating on social media that "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence."