A man who stormed a Manhattan synagogue during a Shabbat service and assaulted two people has been charged with hate crimes, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. Larry Montes, 46, admitted to police that the August 14 attack inside Central Synagogue was motivated by religion and race, according to a criminal complaint.
Montes reportedly made antisemitic and anti-Israel statements to authorities, including "f— the Jews" and "I will never affiliate with no filthy f—ing synagogues, either here or in f—ing Israel." He also allegedly stated, "I don’t f— with you people."
The incident began around 6 p.m. when Montes started shouting obscenities during the service attended by approximately 375 congregants. He then allegedly lunged toward the pulpit, knocking over two candlesticks. The synagogue's head of security intervened to restrain Montes, who then struck a woman in her 60s, knocking her to the floor. While being restrained and cuffed by an NYPD officer, Montes allegedly continued to spew hateful remarks, spat at a Black worshipper, and headbutted him.
Prosecutors stated that Montes also threatened worshippers with plans to return at a later date. He faces charges including two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of damage to religious property resulting in bodily injury. If convicted, Montes could face up to 40 years in state prison.
"An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental right to practice one's faith safely," said Jamie McDonald, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. "Our Office will work tirelessly to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable as we continue to protect all communities from hate-driven violence."