A man accused of storming into a Manhattan synagogue and attacking congregants told police that Jewish people were "swine" and "Fake Jews," prosecutors stated Saturday. Larry Montes, 46, faces hate crime charges following the incident at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue.
During an arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, Judge Janice Chan set bail for Montes at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds. The Manhattan District Attorney's office had requested $50,000 cash and $150,000 in bonds.
Prosecutors allege that Montes admitted his actions were religiously motivated. He also reportedly told authorities he was acting "on instinct" and was "mad." The ADA noted that Montes also admitted to having racial animus toward Black people.
Montes is charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. The alleged attack occurred Friday around 6 p.m. during a Shabbat service.
According to the charges, Montes allegedly slugged a 63-year-old female congregant, headbutted and spat on a 65-year-old security guard, and broke two religious candles valued at $20,000 before being taken into custody. He also reportedly yelled "f--k the Jews."
Orders of protection were issued for the congregant, the security guard, and a synagogue employee who attempted to intervene. The Simon Wiesenthal Center issued a statement calling the attack a "chilling reminder of the vulnerability that has shadowed Jewish life for generations," adding that a synagogue should be a refuge, not a place of fear.
Police identified Montes as a "known emotionally disturbed person." He has prior arrests for violent robberies in 2019 and 2023. Montes is due back in court on August 20.
