Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx was arrested and charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday evening, according to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Bronx man charged with hate crimes after assaulting worshippers at Manhattan synagogue
Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx was arrested and charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on Friday evening, according to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Montes entered the synagogue during Shabbat services, struck a congregation member, damaged synagogue property, and spit at and head-butted a security guard who was attempting to remove him from the premises, Tisch said.
An NYPD sergeant working as a security guard at the synagogue then took Montes into custody, according to Tisch.
Tisch said those hurt during the incident were not seriously injured, were evaluated on scene, and are 'doing well.' She added that no additional threats were present and that an investigation has been initiated.
- The source does not state what specific conduct or statements led investigators to classify the charges as hate crimes.
- The source does not identify the congregation member who was struck or provide any further detail about their condition beyond 'doing well.'
- The source does not state whether Montes has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
- The source does not describe what synagogue property was damaged or the extent of that damage.
- The source does not state the precise nature of Montes's alleged antisemitic conduct beyond the physical acts described.
Read the original at The Jerusalem Post