Man Attacks Worshipers at Manhattan Synagogue
A man, identified as Larry Montez, 46, allegedly broke into a synagogue in Manhattan on Friday night, launching a violent anti-Semitic attack against worshipers and a security guard. The incident occurred at the Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue during Shabbat services, as reported by police and various sources.
According to police, Montez disrupted the congregation around 6 p.m., behaving erratically as he made his way to the front of the synagogue.
When security guards attempted to escort him out, Montez purportedly struck a 63-year-old worshiper in the face. He is also accused of headbutting and spitting on one of the guards and damaging two religious candles valued at $20,000.
An NYPD sergeant, who was present for paid security work at the synagogue, took Montez into custody during the chaotic scene.
Video footage shared on social media captures the moment, showing Montez shouting aggressively in front of the synagogue. Following that, sounds of shattering glass emerged, causing the congregation to scream.
Eventually, Montez was seen being escorted from the building, visibly angry and gesturing while shouting. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of mischief as a hate crime.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred and mentioned she had spoken with the synagogue’s rabbi. She stated, “There are no known new threats at this time,” announcing the deployment of additional NYPD resources to the synagogue.
Tisch’s connection to the synagogue is personal; she attended there as a child. She conveyed the significance of the space to the community, noting, “What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
New York Governor Cathy Hochul condemned the assault, describing it as “horrible” and expressing gratitude for the swift arrest while asserting, “Jewish New Yorkers have the right to worship openly and proudly without fear.”
Mayor Zoran Mamdani also voiced his concerns, lamenting the emotional toll such an attack could inflict on the Jewish community, especially during a sacred time. He affirmed that every New Yorker should feel safe practicing their faith.
Attorney General Letitia James echoed those sentiments, calling the attack “appalling and unacceptable,” emphasizing that no one should feel threatened in their place of worship. She offered her support to the Central Synagogue community following the incident.
