Key facts
- Larry Montes is accused of attacking a woman and a security guard at Central Synagogue in Manhattan.
- He faces federal hate crime charges, including assault and damage to religious property.
- Montes is also facing state-level hate crime charges.
- The incident occurred during Shabbat services and was visible on a livestream.
- The woman sustained a cut lip and forearm injury; no one was seriously injured.
Larry Montes, accused of assaulting a woman and a security guard during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, now faces federal hate crime charges. Prosecutors announced the charges in Manhattan federal court, adding to existing state-level hate crime charges. Authorities stated that Montes allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman while security attempted to remove him, and also spat at and head-butted a security team member, causing damage to synagogue property. The woman sustained injuries to her lip and forearm. The incident occurred on Friday evening and was captured on a livestream of the services, showing a man being restrained by security. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who grew up attending the synagogue, condemned the act, stating that a place of worship should never be a crime scene. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul also denounced the attack, emphasizing the right of New Yorkers to worship without fear of violence. The NYPD's hate crime taskforce is investigating, and no additional suspects are being sought.