Key facts
- Larry Montes, 46, faces hate crime charges for disrupting services at Manhattan's Central Synagogue.
- The incident involved striking two individuals and damaging property.
- Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the suspect spit at and head-butted a security team member.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack, emphasizing religious freedom.
- Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Chuck Schumer also condemned the incident.
Hate crime charges have been filed against Larry Montes, 46, following an incident at Manhattan's Central Synagogue on Friday night. Montes disrupted Shabbat services, struck two individuals, and damaged synagogue property before being taken into custody by police. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that Montes spit at and head-butted a security team member while being escorted out. Mayor Zohran Mamdani decried the attack, stating that all New Yorkers should be able to practice their religion without fear. Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Chuck Schumer also condemned the assault. Additional police security has been deployed to the synagogue, and services continued on Saturday.